Hospital-wide screening improves basis for nutrition intervention.

The prevalence of malnutrition and need for nutrition intervention were evaluated at the time of admission for 500 consecutive patients at Cleveland Memorial Hospital, a 300-bed acute-care community hospital, in Shelby, NC. The association between the prescribed diet and the need for special nutrition intervention was emphasized. Results indicate that 31% of patients receiving routine diets (regular, soft, full liquid, clear liquid, NPO) and 33% of patients receiving modified diets were malnourished at the time of admission. Chi-square analysis indicated that there was no significant difference (p less than or equal to .05) in the prevalence of malnutrition or the need for special nutrition intervention between the two groups. Yet, many hospital nutrition services are organized to direct their activities primarily to patients receiving modified diets. It is suggested that dietetic practitioners implement a hospital-wide screening process so that patients with special nutrition needs can be identified and appropriate support regimens can be planned.