Handover, families and multidisciplinary working

Good nutrition and hydration care depends on continuity. One shift may notice poor intake, another dark urine, a family member may know usual preferences, and a clinician may need the combined picture before deciding on treatment. When handover is weak, concerns can be diluted and action delayed.

NHS England advises escalating nutrition and hydration concerns to the most appropriate members of the multidisciplinary team. Depending on the issue this might include the GP, dietitian, speech and language therapist, pharmacist, nurse or community team. Families and unpaid carers often hold useful information about baseline habits, preferences and practical ways to support the person.

What strong handover should include

• What changed: appetite, drinks taken, weight clues, bowels, swallowing, urine or alertness.
• When it changed: sudden today, gradual over weeks, worse after illness or medicine change.
• What was offered: preferred drinks, little-and-often support, fortified snacks, assistance or texture-modified options.
• What matters to the person: preferred cup, food dislikes, cultural needs, best time to eat, family tips.
• What happened next: who was told, what advice was given and what still needs review.

Manager focus: MDT routes and discharge continuity

Nutrition and hydration concerns are often solved faster when the right practical detail reaches the right person without getting lost between shifts.