Background:

Oral nutritional supplement (ONS) drinks are used in rural clinical settings to provide supplemental nutrition to patients at risk of malnutrition or those with difficulty consuming a sufficient amount of food. Notably, the growing elderly population, those with medical conditions, or individuals with low BMI and conditions such as COPD, who find it challenging to meet their recommended nutritional intake through food first. However, maintaining patient compliance with supplements can be difficult due to factors such as the repetitive or unappealing taste. A creative approach, such as incorporating ONS into appealing recipes, may enhance compliance and aid adequate nutrition.

Aim of the case report:

The aim is to increase patient compliance with nutritional requirements, with a focus on reaching our ageing population and those with long-term conditions. It also aims to explore and promote the impact of using a "Recipe of the Week" approach, with ONS as the primary focus of the recipes.

Case report:

Our accuRx® SMS service is utilised as a means of communicating with patients, encouraging collaboration. A group of patients was selected who are currently prescribed ONS. Over the course of two months, a weekly recipe was sent via accuRx to individuals to utilise and encourage creativity. The focus was on ONS as the key ingredient within recipes, such as smoothies, baked goods, and savoury dishes. Two case studies were selected to demonstrate the program's success in improving ONS compliance.  

Conclusions:

The introduction of a monthly recipe program, with a direct focus on ONS, successfully improved patient compliance with ONS. This approach provides a practical strategy for healthcare providers in rural communities to reach a broad audience and enhance adherence, thereby supporting patients in achieving better dietary outcomes, particularly those who may struggle with traditional oral nutritional supplements (ONS).