The diagnosis process of nutritional disorders in hospitalized patients

Abstract

An improvement in the total quality of patient care requires the organization of a system of early detection of malnutrition for all patients admitted. An evaluative review is made, aiming at offering specific tools on etiological, pathogenic, diagnostic and clinical aspects that constitute the basis for the recognition and treatment of nutritional disorders associated with diseases, with the objective of identifying the relevant known, unknown, and controversial aspects on this subject that still today require new approaches and agreement. Nutritional status assessment is considered the first link of nutritional treatment and aims to identify those patients both undernourished or at risk of developing malnutrition who may benefit from an early nutritional treatment. The procedures for screening, evaluation, diagnosis and classification of nutritional disorders proposed by the Clinical Nutrition Service of the Hermanos Ameijeiras Surgical-Clinical Hospital are presented in light of the new concepts and their own practical experience. The correct classification and registration of nutritional disorders contributes to the enrichment of hospital registration and information systems, and it becomes a consultation tool that allows internal assessment in different stages and with hospitals of similar characteristics to establish benchmarks.