Implementing Quality Assessment Is Fundamental to Guarantee Optimal Nutrition Therapy

Abstract

Introduction The implementation of quality assessment in nutrition therapy (NT) is an important strategy, with the potential to contribute to the reduction of malnutrition and improve the cost‐effectiveness of NT. Studies on this subject are scarce in the world. Our objective was to evaluate the practice of NT in hospitals located in the third‐most‐developed state of Brazil. Methods A cross‐sectional study, using data collected through interviews with members of the clinical staff/interdisciplinary NT team (NTT) and audits of clinical protocols and medical records, was carried out. Both non–probability and probability sampling techniques were used to select the hospitals. Results Thirty‐three hospitals were included (10 public, 10 philanthropic, 9 private, and 4 university). Twenty‐six institutions reported to have an NTT. There was no statistically significant difference in the existence and performance of the teams or in the presence of protocols and quality indicators between the types of hospitals. However, the inspection of 172 medical records showed that essential items for the nutrition care of the patient were not fully in agreement with the previous provided information, and this varied according to the type of hospital. Conclusion The majority of hospitals had an NTT as well as protocols and quality indicators. However, patient records were not in accordance with the essential items to guarantee NT quality and safety, indicating a gap between theory and practice.

Clinical Nutrition and Human Rights. An International Position Paper

“…Indeed, nutritional care contributes to reduced morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay as well as fewer readmissions. Therefore, it is considered cost effective, and may influence the financial sustainability of health care systems 9–13 …”

“…Therefore, it is considered cost effective, and may influence the financial sustainability of health care systems. [9][10][11][12][13] Nutritional care is "an overarching term to describe the form of nutrition, nutrient delivery, and the system of education that is required for meal service or to treat any nutrition-related condition in both preventative nutrition and clinical nutrition". 14 In the clinical context, nutritional care should be understood as a process, which is carried out by interrelated steps including screening, diagnosis, assessment, nutritional therapy, and monitoring.…”