Article Abstract:
A report from a working part of the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition highlights the continuing problem of poor nutritional status among hospital patients in the UK. The report, entitled 'Hospital Food as Treatment,' states that average food intake among hospital patients is less than 75% of that recommended, with particular problems among elderly patients. It indicates that nurses in charge of the ward have the main responsibility for the nutritional care of patients, and highlights the importance of food as a treatment with both clinical and financial benefits.
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Article Abstract:
A multidisciplinary team at Walton Hospital, Chesterfield, England, has begun to examine the nutritional status of its patients. The hospital admits mainly elderly patients for assessment and rehabilitative measures. The project's initial findings revealed that all patients weighed less than they did on admission. The group went on to consider reasons for this, and to devise a model for assessing and improving nutritional status. The next step will be to pilot and audit the use of this model on a ward.
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Article Abstract:
If nurses were to take more notice of what patient eat at mealtimes they would be better able to assess patients' health care needs. Currently most nurses consider mealtimes a period of respite and leave it to junior or support staff. Sitting with patients would improve the patient-nurse relationship and offer an ideal opportunity to observe patients' dietary intake. However it is doubtful whether meal time routines will be changed despite the advantages of doing so.
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