Calls for mandatory malnutrition screenings
Malnutrition is not considered a ‘clinical priority’ in hospitals despite statistics showing one in three patients are malnourished, with rates as high as 70% in residential aged care.
Dietitians have called for mandatory malnutrition screenings at hospitals after recent research revealed malnutrition often goes undiagnosed and untreated.
Dietitians Association of Australia chief executive officer, Claire Hewat, said screenings should be mandatory to pick up on those who are already malnourished, with an early referral to a dietitian.
The screenings can also provide a baseline for others who may be at risk and can be monitored and supported during their stay.
A study of 275 patients in a Melbourne hospital found 90% were malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, based on their weight and appetite.
Only 15% of malnourished patients were correctly picked up on by hospital staff as being malnourished.
