Nutrition support in adults

Quality measures and national indicators

The quality measures accompanying the quality statements aim to improve the structure, process and outcomes of health and social care. They are not a new set of targets or mandatory indicators for performance management.

Expected levels of achievement for quality measures are not specified. As quality standards are intended to drive up the quality of care, achievement levels of 100% should be aspired to (or 0% if the quality statement states that something should not be done). However, we recognise that this may not always be appropriate in practice taking account of patient safety, patient choice and clinical judgement and therefore desired levels of achievement should be defined locally.

For further information, including guidance on using quality measures, see how to use quality standards.

Diversity, equality and language

During the development of this quality standard, equality issues have been considered and equality assessments for this quality standard are published on the NICE website.

Good communication between health and social care professionals and people receiving nutrition support and their carers is essential. Treatment and care, and the information given about it, should be culturally appropriate. It should also be accessible to people with additional needs such as physical, sensory or learning disabilities, and to people who do not speak or read English. People receiving nutrition support should have access to an interpreter or advocate if needed.