The A.S.P.E.N. Pediatric Nutrition Support Core Curriculum has been a top seller since 2010, but now that five years have passed since the first edition released, it’s time for a revision. Want to have a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect with the second edition? Let’s check in with Editor in Chief Mark Corkins, MD, CNSP, SPR, FAAP to learn about what readers can expect in the new edition.
Editor in Chief Mark Corkins is at the helm once again for the revision of the A.S.P.E.N. Pediatric Nutrition Support Core Curriculum.
Q. What will be different about the second edition?
Mark: We learned a lot from putting the first edition together. We have combined some chapters and changed the order just a bit to improve the flow, starting with chapters that cover the basic principles, then moving on to different disease states, followed by some basic pediatric nutrition support skills. As we looked back on the first edition, we realized we should add a section on pediatric formulas as well as few additional topic areas. Of course, there is some new material covered, like the new pediatric malnutrition definition. Some of the additions are also based on comments and requests we received from readers; for instance, beefing up our coverage on iron and supplementing when needed.
Q. What will make the revised edition unique amongst other literature in the pediatric nutrition support field?
Mark: It is designed to be just what the title says it is: a core curriculum. While you can’t create experience through reading, the idea is to give the individual the skills they need for basic pediatric nutrition support. The goal is to create a logical flow that builds the reader’s understanding and skills needed to actually do pediatric nutrition support.
Q. Are there any new sections you are particularly excited for?
Mark: The pediatric formula sections are new and should be a big help in sorting out the basic differences between the various formulas available. I’m also excited that the metabolic chapter will now include some new material about mitochondrial disorders. We also created a new chapter about nutrition access, as well as compiled all material about any kind of enteral or vascular access devices in one chapter. I think those who will use the second edition are going to be able to follow the logical progression of the whole Core even better than with the first edition.
Check in for a future installation of the A.S.P.E.N. Pediatric Nutrition Support Core Curriculum Q&A with our Associate Editors, who will shed light on their volunteer experience for the second edition.
