The BDA's 2024 Research Symposium saw 106 abstracts presented across 16 streams. Not only was this a record breaking number of pieces of research being shared but the BDA also saw the biggest attendance for the event too.
The fast-paced day is a fantastic opportunity for students and practising dietitians to present their research and to gain recognition from peers. Abstracts were presented from across the four nations (England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) and the BDA was pleased to see clinical and research dietitians alongisde newly qualified dietitians present.
In addition to the abstracts being presented Yakult UK & Ireland's Dr Emily Prpa and Dr Holly Neill presented the breakfast session From gut to glow: The role of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics in skin health and Dr Adrian Brown from University College London presented From practice to research – the long and winding road.
We're pleased to share our winning abstracts from each of the streams:
1. Clinical nutrition, including malnutrition- sponsored by Stanningley Pharma
Roshna Nangial, University of Surrey
A service evaluation of weight changes in cancer patients who received specialist dietitian-led nutrition support
2. Critical care - supported by the BDA Critical Care Specialist Group
Rhiannon Lewis, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals
Prospective audit of adherence to the local fasting protocol for adult patients receiving exclusive enteral nutrition on the intensive care unit
3. Diabetes - supported by the BDA Diabetes Specialist Group
Federica Solaris, Middlesex University
The effect of a protein preload on postprandial glycaemic response in adult type 2 diabetic individuals; a systematic literature review with meta-analysis
4. Gastroenterology - supported by the BDA Gastroenterology Specialist Group
Anya Mustard, Teesside University
Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Irritable Bowel Syndrome During Perimenopause and Menopause: A Cross-Sectional Study
5. Maternal and fertility nutrition - supported by the BDA Maternal and Fertility Nutrition Specialist Group
Kate Maslin, University of Plymouth
Experiences of eating and drinking in the postnatal period in the nutritional online survey for pregnancy induced sickness & hyperemesis (NOURISH) study
6. Mental health, eating disorders and learning disabilities - supported by the BDA Mental Health Specialist Group
Ashley Blacklock, Teeside University
Increasing access to healthy, affordable food for adults living with severe mental illness in Teesside: A co-produced feasibility study
7. New to research, including MRes and PhD research
Rutian Ding, University of Surrey
A feasibility and acceptability study of a novel 5:2 intermittent carbohydrate restriction diet in free-living individuals
8. Nutrition in older adults - supported by the BDA Older People Specialist Group
Emily Morgan and Megan Johansen, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
“Empty Plates Not Empty Stomachs” - Improving elderly inpatients’ experience of mealtime services
9. Nutrition support - supported by BDA Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Specialist Group
Monique Smith, University of Surrey
Service evaluation of the nutritional outcomes of head and neck cancer patients at the Sussex Cancer Centre
10. Obesity - supported by the BDA Obesity Specialist Group
Yan Wah Keung, Sheffield Hallam University
Service evaluation of long-term weight loss after bariatric surgery in UK adults
11. Optimising nutrition prescribing - supported by the BDA Optimising Nutrition Prescribing Specialist Group
Heather Nunn, Hertfordshire & West Essex Integrated Care Board
Dietetic leadership across the healthcare system can achieve reduction in ONS spend
12. Paediatric – supported by the BDA Paediatric Specialist Group
Anna Marcus, London Metropolitan University
Patient and family experiences receiving a blended diet within a children’s tertiary hospital: a qualitative service evaluation
13. Public health, including freelance and industry
Zoe Jewell, University of Chester
A comparative analysis of parental perceptions and primary school age children’s fruit and vegetable preferences
14. Renal nutrition - support by the BDA Kidney Dietitian Specialist Group
Chak Yin Kwan, London Metropolitan University
The impact of sodium intake on dialysis outcomes in Asian populations: A systematic review
15. Service evaluation – sponsored by Nestlé HealthCare Nutrition
Tioluwani Ajao, King’s College London
Service evaluation of a low-carbon emission menu in a rehabilitation hospital
16. Supplementary prescribing (medicines) - supported by BDA Prescribers Sub-Group
Nicola Ruddock, University Hospital of Leicester NHS Trust
Exploring patient experiences of the person-centredness of supplementary dietitian prescribing in chronic kidney disease
We also announced three new streams for 2025.
- Cystic Fibrosis– Supported by the BDA Cystic Fibrosis Specialist Group
- Oncology – Supported by the BDA Oncology Specialist Group
- Education and placements
2025 abstract submissions will open in April 2025. Watch this space!
Thank you to our sponsors - Yakult, Nestle, Stanningley Pharma and Alliance Pharmaceuticals.
