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Dietetics, Nutrition and Biological Sciences

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://eresearch.qmu.ac.uk/handle/20.500.12289/23

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Author: search.filters.author.Lyles, Alison L.Start date: 2023

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    The Evaluation of a Simulated Interprofessional Education Session Between Dietetics and Acting Students
    (2025-08-18) Lyles, Alison L.; Scott, Marion
    Introduction: This paper evaluates a simulated interprofessional education (IPE) session that brought together dietetic and acting students to explore the development of communication skills and collaborative practice through role‐play consultations. Designed to foster experiential learning, the session enabled dietetics students to practice patient‐centred communication while acting students portrayed patients based on character briefs and offered feedback from a service‐user perspective. Methods: The session aimed to enhance empathy, rapport‐building, and professional adaptability across both disciplines. Evaluation data were collected via a structured questionnaire completed by 17 dietetic and 5 acting students, assessing areas including skill development, interprofessional collaboration, and session impact. Results: Results indicated high satisfaction, with 100% of participants rating the session positively and reporting gains in communication, teamwork, and understanding of interdisciplinary roles. Both groups valued the opportunity to apply their respective skills in a realistic, low‐risk setting, highlighting the benefits of including nontraditional disciplines in IPE. Recommendations for future iterations include expanding scenario diversity and providing more time for practice and feedback. Conclusion: Overall, the session was found to be an effective and engaging method of supporting communication competence and mutual learning between healthcare and performing arts students.
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    UV Spectrophotometric analysis of phosphate content in plant-based milk alternatives in relation to Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease
    (Elsevier, 2025-08-05) Lyles, Alison L.; Sture, Estere; Walker, Ross
    Background: Managing dietary phosphorus is critical in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), where excess intake can lead to complications such as hyperphosphataemia. Plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs) are increasingly consumed, yet their phosphorus content, particularly in relation to phosphate additives, remains poorly defined in the UK. Objective: This study aimed to quantify and compare the total phosphorus content and phosphorus-to-protein ratio (PPR) in a range of commercially available UK PBMAs, with and without phosphate additives, using UV spectrophotometric analysis. Materials & Methods: Fourteen PBMAs (from seven plant sources) were analysed using the molybdenum blue method. Samples were categorised based on presence or absence of phosphate additives. Phosphorus content (mg/100g) and PPR (mg/g protein) were calculated and compared with previously documented data for cow’s milk. Results: PBMAs with phosphate additives contained significantly higher phosphorus levels (mean 58.47 mg/100g) than those without (mean 7.38 mg/100g; p < .001). Similarly, PPR was substantially higher in additive-containing PBMAs (mean 197.76 mg/g) versus additive-free options (mean 16.25 mg/g; p < .001). Some PBMAs with additives had phosphorus content and PPR values exceeding those of cow’s milk, raising concerns for phosphate management in CKD. Conclusion: Phosphate additives significantly increase the phosphorus load and PPR of PBMAs, which may not be readily apparent to consumers or clinicians due to insufficient labelling. For patients with advanced CKD, selecting additive-free PBMAs may support better phosphorus control and dietary management.