VITAmin and Micronutrient Testing: Acceptability and SCOPE of Point-of-care Device

Malnutrition, where there is an insufficient supply or inability to absorb nutrients is classified by the World Health Organisation as the biggest worldwide threat to public health. Untreated malnutrition is an independent risk factor for mortality and is associated with increased healthcare costs. Malnutrition is not only found in association with low weight but is also found in individuals with morbid obesity. Obese individuals experience a state of paradoxical malnutrition; despite excessive dietary intake they have high micronutrient deficiencies rates due to intake of energy-dense, nutrient-poor diets. Childhood obesity is a global health crisis with 1.2 million children in England severely obese, putting them at multiple health risks which lower lifespan and affect health.

Currently micronutrient measurement is performed in hospitals. A large volume (>6mls) is taken with results for some tests taking a minimum of 2 weeks. This delays treatment starting and requires provision of additional clinical time for the results to be fed back to patients and their families. There are significant financial, emotional and carbon costs for patients attending for hospital based blood tests.

A point-of-care blood test for micronutrients has been developed, which uses an integrated finger-prick and minimal amount of blood (40μls). The device is simple to use, with just one push of a button, allowing primary care clinicians and potentially parents/guardians to administer the test.

This study aims to ask young people and their parents/carers for their views on this device before further development is undertaken on the product to ensure it meets with their needs.

Inclusion criteria

• Patient aged>10 years or parents of a patient being seen in a NNUH CEW clinic.
• Parents/Participants must have capacity to consent/assent and provide a signed and dated informed consent
• Able to participate in an interview regarding the acceptability/usability of the device.

Exclusion criteria

• Potential participants will not be eligible if they lack capacity to provide informed consent (or in the case of young people under the age of 16, informed assent and informed parental consent)