Bonetti L et al. – The study determined prevalence of malnutrition in medical and surgical hospital and for assessing the quality of nutritional care and patients’ perception with respect to food and nutritional care quality. The study reported inadequate nutritional care, high prevalence of malnutrition with medical patients at higher risk.

Methods

• This cross–sectional, interview was performed in 80 units from 12 hospitals.
• Mini Nutritional Assessment full version was adopted to determine Malnutrition prevalence.

Results

• Of the 1066, 228 patients (21.4%) were malnourished.
• Medical patients, women, patients aged ≥85 years or with impaired autonomy, pressure ulcers or administered ≥3 drugs were at higher risk of malnutrition.
• There was no nutritional screening in 55% units and nutritional history was determined in 48% units, due to lack of personnel.
• Protocols for nutritional problems never exist in 70% of the wards and the intake not measured.
• Despite low quality food, patients reported satisfaction and indicated toward adding more personnel for care.