The 2024 Malnutrition & Oral Health Care Awareness Week was held from 16-20^th of September 2024, at FV Hospital, drawing the active participation of hospital staff, patients, and their families. FV Hospital was especially honoured to be the first and only Ambassador in Vietnam to join the Malnutrition Awareness Week that was organised by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN).

Exciting and engaging activities in response to the event

This year’s event featured a series of important activities aimed at providing knowledge about malnutrition and oral health care, while also creating opportunities for networking, interaction, and sharing practical experiences among FV staff. Additionally, it fostered positive awareness among patients, their families, and the wider community.

The week kicked off with the Poster Design Contest on 16^th September, centred around the theme of malnutrition and oral health care. The contest gathered 10 teams from different departments, creating a lively and creative atmosphere. Each team had the opportunity to showcase their in-depth understanding of nutrition and oral health through vibrant posters, accompanied by significant messages.

In addition to the main competition, the event featured expert judges, including Specialist Level II, Nguyen Viet Quynh Thu, MD, MSc; Nguyen Thanh Tung, MD, PhD and engaging quizzes from various departments. The “tips” for nutrition and oral care shared by the two doctors not only entertained participants but also provided them with valuable and practical knowledge.

On 20^th September, the atmosphere became even more vibrant with the Cooking Contest and Food Fair. The participating teams showcased their culinary skills by preparing special menus designed for individuals with malnutrition. Additionally, the Food Fair provided an opportunity for FV members to express their love for food through delicious and nutritious dishes. This event also served as a chance for everyone to connect, learn from one another, and strengthen teamwork and understanding among the various departments and units at FV.

In addition to recreational activities, the most important goal of the Malnutrition & Oral Health Care Awareness Week 2024 was to enhance the professional knowledge of the healthcare staff and raise awareness among patients as well as the community. On 18^th September, a training programme on nutrition and oral health care was held at FV’s auditorium, focusing on updating modern care methods and common scientific practices. This session can be included in doctor’s continuous medical education

Updating knowledge to provide better patient care

Specialist Level II, Nguyen Viet Quynh Thu, MD, MSc (Head of Dietetics & Nutrition Department) taught us about the nutritional care process for patients with malnutrition, especially those with severe conditions such as cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, and cardiovascular diseases. Dr Thu emphasised that accurate and timely assessment of nutritional status is a key factor in enhancing treatment efficacy. Methods of nutritional support via oral, enteral, and intravenous routes were also detailed in this session.

In the training session on oral care, speakers from Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery – Dental Surgery Department delivered a comprehensive overview of treatment, care, and aesthetic enhancement for teeth. The doctors emphasised the importance of maintaining a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, having regular check-ups, and consulting with doctors or dentists when experiencing any dental abnormalities, as key factors for protecting oral health in both adults and children.

Nguyen Thanh Tung, MD, PhD (Head of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery – Dental Surgery Department) highlighted the crucial role of oral hygiene for patients after jaw surgery and dental implants, as it helps prevent infections and supports the recovery process. Dr Tung provided specific guidelines on how to use toothbrushes, dental floss, and water flossing devices to ensure optimal oral hygiene for patients. Meanwhile, Dr Huynh Le Hai Trinh focused on oral care for the elderly, particularly emphasising the use of electric toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste, and ensuring adequate hydration, including artificial saliva for those suffering from dry mouth.

Dr Nguyen Thi Giang, Specialist Level I emphasised the importance of oral hygiene for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, including those using braces, orthopaedic appliances, retainers, and aligners. Regarding children’s oral health, Dr Nguyen Thi Minh Khue provided insights on the correct care, highlighting the role of primary teeth in jaw development, speech, and chewing in children. She discussed the importance of early prevention of cavities through effective oral hygiene and the use of sealants.

Continuing from this, Cao Thi Thu Trang, MD, MSc provided a detailed focus on post-operative care following full-arch dental implant surgery, offering guidance on managing swelling, pain, and maintaining hygiene in the surgical area to prevent complications. Addressing a more common topic, Dr Nguyen Thi Bich Chieu provided instruction for  post-operative care after wisdom tooth extraction, discussing methods to control bleeding, reduce pain, and recognise early signs of complications to minimise risks.Bottom of Form

Representing the Nursing team of the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery – Dental Surgery Department, Ms Nguyen Thi Hong informed everyone about the crucial role of nursing in supporting patients after maxillofacial surgery. Nurses not only ensure daily oral hygiene but also closely monitor the condition of the surgical wounds, detect early complications, and collaborate with doctors to provide timely solutions for patients.

At the conclusion of the “Malnutrition & Oral Health Care Awareness Week 2024” FV Hospital shall extend beyond just an internal event and continue to bring similar “programmes for enhancing and updating medical knowledge” to the community. Through practical and beneficial activities, FV hopes to spread the message of nutritional and oral health care to a wider audience, helping to improve the quality of life and overall health for patients and the surrounding community.