Search

Background & aims: In Belgium, general data on the prevalence of malnutrition are lacking. Prevalence rates are necessary to gain insight into the magnitude of malnutrition and to establish a nutrition policy that takes the limited health care resources into account. This study aimed to obtain insight into the prevalence of malnutrition in Belgian elderly hospital wards and to identify factors associated with the malnutrition prevalence. Methods: A cross-sectional, multi-centre study in elderly wards of Belgian hospitals. The nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment. A standardised questionnaire was used to record demographic data and data on potential factors associated with malnutrition. Results: Out of 2329 elderly patients, 33% suffered from malnutrition. Almost 43% of the patients were at risk of malnutrition and 24% were well-nourished. Having swallowing difficulties, taste difficulties, and being transferred from a nursing home were strongly associated with being malnourished. Conclusion: The malnutrition prevalence in Belgian elderly hospitals wards is similar to international figures. Elderly who have swallowing difficulties, taste difficulties, or coming from a nursing home may need adequate nutritional care. Given the negative impact of malnutrition on mortality and morbidity, an emphasis should be placed on an effective nutritional policy. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Introduction: Malnutrition is a frequently occurring health-problem in eldery patients and has a number of consequences for both the patient and the hospitals, hence the significant need to track and treat malnutrition adequately. The aim of this study was to optimize nutritional care in acute geriatric settings. This was realized through an improved prospecting, the identification of malnourished patients and by conducting an adequate nutritional policy. Methods and Materials: A practice oriented research was conducted throughout 6 months on eight different geriatric wards in 2008. Malnutrition was traced by means of the Mini Nitritional Assessment. The attitude of the nurse staff was measured by means the Nutritional Nursing Care scale (SANN). Finally general patient characteristics were collected using a questionnaire. Results: The study included 634 geriatric patients. One out of three were undernourished on admission. The prevalence increased with the age of the patient and the presence of underlying diseases, e.g. cancer, dementia or a cerebro-vascular accident. The nutritional status of each geriatric patient was assessed and those who were malnourished (or had an increased risk) received a multidisciplinary treatment approach. Follow up took place by observing nutrition intake and weight evolution. A raised awareness was realized among the nursing staff by education. Despite the positive behaviour change, the attitude of the nurses did not show the expected alteration. A neutral attitude was found at the end of the study in the majority of the nursing staff. Conclusion: The practice oriented research allowed to implement evidence-based guidelines successfully. Success could be explained by the aim to fit the organization structure and the constructive dialogue with the different stakeholders. Feasible, individualized strategies were adapted to the ward and acquired by the nursing staff. This offered an optimal guaranty toward permanent quality enhancement.