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We all know the quality of food in hospitals. Usually, however, patients grit their teeth and eat what their family and loved ones bring. However, not everyone has such an opportunity. According to medical data, 40 percent. of patients at the time of admission to the hospital are malnourished, and in 75 percent. the nutritional status deteriorates during hospitalization. Why is this happening?
- According to the Ministry of Health Regulation, each patient admitted to the ward should undergo nutritional status assessment
- 40 percent of patients show signs of malnutrition on admission to hospital, and in 75 percent. there is a deterioration of health during hospitalization – this is what research shows
- As much as 80 percent patients are not receiving the recommended nutrition
- More stories can be found on the TvoiLokony home page
As part of our campaign “We choose the truth”, we recall selected texts from TvoiLokona that influenced the reality around us. In the coming months, more articles from the series will be presented on the TvoiLokony home page.
There is a therapeutic nutrition procedure, but nothing comes of it
Let’s imagine that we go to the hospital and we have to stay in the ward for a few or several days. From January 1, 2012, in accordance with the regulation of the Ministry of Health, each patient admitted to the ward (except the hospital emergency department), should be assessed for nutritional status.
– The purpose of nutritional assessment is to identify patients at risk of malnutrition or malnutrition, to determine the degree of malnutrition and to monitor the effectiveness of nutritional treatment – explains Marek Lichota, president of the “Appetite for Life” association.
It all looks great on paper. The patient is assessed and if he shows signs of malnutrition or an inadequate nutritional status, he is given an indication to initiate nutritional intervention. If the patient has no signs of malnutrition, but for some reason will not be able to eat for more than 5 days, or oral nutrition covers less than 50%. caloric demand within 7 days, it is also qualified for nutritional treatment.
– The problem is that even if the assessment is done correctly, no further action is taken despite indications of malnutrition from the patient. As shown by POLSPEN data, 80 percent. patients tested with the NRS scale did not receive the recommended nutrition, despite the developed Polish and European standards for enteral and parenteral nutrition – adds Lichota.
Other data show that 40 percent. of patients show signs of malnutrition on admission to hospital, and in 75 percent. health deteriorates during hospitalization. On the other hand, the data clearly show that proper nutrition of patients improves the effectiveness of treatment, reduces the number of complications, shortens the time of wound healing and the duration of hospitalization. A well-nourished patient spends less time in the hospital.
See also our hospital food interview: The hospital will starve you
Why is therapeutic nutrition so important and how to change the approach to implementing this form of treatment by hospital facilities?
Nutritional treatment reimbursed but not used
In an interview with Gazeta Wyborcza, prof. Stanisław Kłęk, president of the Polish Society of Parenteral Nutrition, Enteral and Metabolism (POLSPEN), explained that all types of artificial nutrition through the nose, mouth, directly into the stomach, intestines and all methods of intravenous treatment are reimbursed. Despite this, as Lichota previously pointed out, 80 percent. patients are not receiving the recommended nutrition.
See also: Diseases that carry a risk of malnutrition
Among the reasons for such a state of affairs, Kłęk mentioned the fact that doctors complained about the number of documents that they had to fill in during this procedure. There is also an argument that clinical nutrition consumes points for treatment. This means that if we use them, the amount of money allocated to other treatments is reduced.
– Unfortunately, in terms of the implementation of nutritional treatment in hospitals, the position of Poland is significantly falling compared to other countries, despite the reimbursement of parenteral and enteral nutrition at a high level. So hospitals have resources, but they are not making full use of them. Despite the availability of preparations for parenteral and enteral nutrition, malnutrition among hospitalized patients is still a common phenomenon – says Lichota and adds – In the Association “Appetite for Life” we gather many patients who have not received proper nutritional support at various stages of their therapy and disease. As a result, in many cases this has led to extreme debilitating and many irreversible complications, the treatment of which places a huge burden on themselves, but also on the health system which could have prevented it.
The president of the association “Appetite for life” explains that it is important to disseminate good practices of clinical nutrition in hospitals. It is also worth educating patients so that they are aware that they can benefit from this form of treatment and that it is helpful in the fight against the disease.
– It is very important that all patients of Polish hospitals have access to reliable information on nutrition. There is a noticeable need to create qualified nutrition teams in hospitals, responsible for interdisciplinary therapy, with the participation of doctors, nutritionists, pharmacists and a nursing team.
Also check: 40 percent patients lose weight after being admitted to hospital
In order to encourage doctors and hospitals to popularize the use of nutritional treatment, POLSPEN has prepared a nationwide program “Good Clinical Nutrition Hospital – Treatment by Nutrition”. Hospitals awarded in the program received a certificate valid for two years.
The editorial board recommends:
- Malnutrition of the elderly. What should you remember when creating a senior diet?
- The myth that leads to malnutrition
- One in five cancer patients dies of cachexia
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