Dr. Woodham studies how to better manage nutrition for patients who cannot eat normally due to conditions like intestinal failure or cancer. He looks into methods such as home parenteral support, which delivers nutrients through a catheter, and the role of nutrition nurses in outpatient clinics. His research aims to provide safe and effective nutritional support while minimizing hospital visits and related costs for patients and caregivers.
Key findings
Using the Standard-Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT) for home parenteral support training reduces training time by 66%, from an average of 85 hours to just 8 hours, with zero bloodstream infections in the ANTT group.
In a study of 590 patients, 90% of individuals resolved their nutritional problems in nutrition nurse-led outpatient clinics without needing hospital visits.
Repairing damaged central venous access devices for patients with chronic intestinal failure resulted in a 89% success rate for at least 30 days and avoided hospitalization in 76% of cases, saving around £2,766 per repair.
Home parenteral nutrition (HPN) can provide benefits for patients in palliative care but often presents more risks for those with a life expectancy of less than two months, guiding doctors on when to use it.
Malnutrition affects approximately 3 million older adults in the UK, where simple dietary improvements and nutritional supplements can significantly enhance health outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dr. Woodham study home parenteral nutrition?
Yes, he focuses on home parenteral nutrition, particularly training patients to manage their nutrition safely at home.
What treatments has Dr. Woodham researched?
Dr. Woodham has researched the effectiveness of various nutritional support techniques, including home parenteral support, outpatient nutrition clinics, and malnutrition interventions.
Is Dr. Woodham's work relevant to patients in palliative care?
Yes, he investigates how nutritional support options, like home parenteral nutrition, can be offered to patients receiving palliative care.
How does Dr. Woodham's research help elderly individuals?
His work on malnutrition highlights treatment options that can improve health and independence for elderly individuals.
What are the benefits of nutrition nurse-led outpatient clinics?
These clinics provide efficient and cost-effective management for patients, resolving 90% of issues without needing hospital visits.
Publications in plain English
Comparison of traditional aseptic technique versus standard aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) in training patients to manage home parenteral support - A single centre cohort study.
2025
Clinical nutrition ESPEN
Malhi H, Fitzpatrick N, Lewis D, Williams V, Woodham D +1 more
Plain English This study looked at two training methods for patients learning to manage home parenteral support (HPS), which is a way to get nutrients through a catheter. The researchers found that using a Standard-Aseptic Non-Touch Technique (ANTT) allowed patients to be trained in just 8 hours on average, compared to 85 hours with the traditional sterile technique—a 66% time reduction. Importantly, there were no cases of bloodstream infections in the ANTT group, while three infections occurred in the traditional technique group, indicating that ANTT is both quicker and safer.
Who this helps: This benefits patients who need home parenteral support and their caregivers.
Nutrition nurse-led outpatient 'hot' clinics are efficient and cost-effective: a retrospective single-centre evaluation.
2023
British journal of nursing (Mark Allen Publishing)
Rogers N, Woodham D, Fletcher J
Plain English This study looked at how nutrition nurses manage outpatient clinics that help patients who need special feeding support. They found that in a total of 590 patients reviewed, 90% had their problems resolved without needing to go to the hospital. This is important because it shows that these clinics save time and money by keeping patients out of hospitals and avoiding extra medical visits.
Who this helps: Patients requiring nutritional support and their healthcare providers.
Repair of central venous access devices in intestinal failure patients is safe and cost-effective: A retrospective single centre cohort study.
2021
Clinical nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland)
Fletcher J, Woodham D, Cooper SC
Plain English This study looked at how well repairing damaged central venous access devices (CVADs) works for patients with chronic intestinal failure who rely on home nutrition. Out of 38 repairs done on 27 patients, 79% were successful for at least 30 days, avoiding hospital stays in 76% of cases, and the overall success rate reached 89%. Repairing these devices not only benefits the patients by reducing their hospital visits but also saves about £2,766 compared to replacing the devices.
Who this helps: Patients with intestinal failure who need long-term nutritional care.
Home parenteral nutrition in patients receiving palliative care: a curriculum-based review.
2019
Frontline gastroenterology
Fletcher J, Woodham D, Dera M, Cooper SC
Plain English This study looked at how home parenteral nutrition (HPN) can be used for patients in palliative care, especially those who can’t eat normally due to cancer-related issues. It found that while HPN can provide nutrition, the risks and challenges often outweigh the benefits for patients expected to live less than two months. Understanding when to use HPN can help doctors guide patients in making better decisions about their care options.
Who this helps: This helps patients with cancer and their families, as well as healthcare providers involved in palliative care.
Plain English This paper studied malnutrition, particularly in older adults living in the community, highlighting that about 3 million people in the UK are affected by it. The research found that malnutrition can lead to increased illness and decreased independence, but it can often be treated easily by improving diet and using nutritional supplements. This is important because addressing malnutrition can significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life for those affected.
Who this helps: This benefits elderly individuals and healthcare providers working with them.