Recent discussions at the European Society for Clinical nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) Congress in Milan highlighted the urgent issue of hospitalized patients – Health and Medicine”>disease-related malnutrition, which affects nearly 50% of hospitalized patients, particularly the elderly and those with non-communicable diseases like diabetes and cancer. WHO/Europe experts emphasized the critical need for improved nutritional care, as many patients do not receive adequate support, with only a third of those unable to eat receiving necessary supplements. Dr. Kremlin Wickramasinghe from WHO/Europe called for better training in nutritional care for healthcare providers and urged governments to integrate nutrition into all levels of healthcare. The organization outlined four essential steps for addressing malnutrition: identification, diagnosis, personalized treatment, and ongoing monitoring, underscoring the cost-effectiveness of proper nutritional interventions in enhancing patient outcomes and reducing long-term healthcare costs.
Addressing Disease-Related Malnutrition: A Q&A wiht Health Expert Dr.Kremlin Wickramasinghe
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us, Dr. wickramasinghe. The discussions at the recent ESPEN Congress emphasized the alarming rate of disease-related malnutrition among hospitalized patients. Can you shed light on why this issue is so prevalent, particularly among the elderly and those with non-communicable diseases?
Dr. kremlin Wickramasinghe (KW): Absolutely,and thank you for having me. Disease-related malnutrition affects nearly 50% of hospitalized patients, which is staggering. This is especially concerning for elderly patients and those with chronic conditions like diabetes and cancer. Factors contributing to this high prevalence include the increased metabolic demands of illness and the challenges these patients face in eating and absorbing nutrients. Frequently enough, they’re simply not getting the nutritional support they need during their hospital stay.
TNE: The statistics you’ve mentioned are indeed troubling. The WHO/Europe highlighted that only a third of patients unable to eat receive the nutritional supplements they require. What are the implications of this lack of nutritional care?
KW: The implications are meaningful. Inadequate nutritional support prolongs hospital stays, increases complication rates, and can lead to poorer overall health outcomes.For patients with chronic diseases, proper nutrition is vital not only for recovery but also for managing their conditions. We risk creating a cycle where malnutrition complicates their illness, resulting in both immediate and long-term healthcare costs that could be minimized with proactive nutritional interventions.
TNE: You mentioned in your call for improved nutritional care the importance of training healthcare providers. What steps should be taken to enhance their understanding and implementation of nutritional support?
KW: Training healthcare providers is crucial. Firstly, we need to integrate nutrition education into medical and nursing curricula to ensure that all healthcare professionals understand the fundamentals of nutritional care.Ongoing professional development workshops and resources should also focus on identifying malnutrition and implementing tailored interventions. this can empower providers to effectively manage nutritional needs and collaborate with dietitians and nutrition specialists, ensuring complete patient care.
TNE: The WHO outlined four essential steps: identification,diagnosis,personalized treatment,and ongoing monitoring. Can you elaborate on these steps and their significance in addressing malnutrition?
KW: Certainly! The first step, identification, involves recognizing patients at risk of malnutrition. This can be done thru screening tools that are simple and speedy to use.Diagnosis follows, where a comprehensive assessment of nutritional status confirms malnutrition. Personalized treatment means tailoring nutritional support to the individual’s specific needs, factoring in their medical condition and preferences. ongoing monitoring is essential to adjust the nutritional plan as the patient’s health status evolves. Adhering to these steps ensures that patients receive the right support at the right time, which is crucial for effective recovery and overall health.
TNE: Beyond the clinical environment, what can governments and healthcare systems do to support these efforts in combating malnutrition?
KW: Governments play a pivotal role in creating policies that integrate nutritional care into all levels of healthcare. This includes funding programs for nutritional screening and support, establishing guidelines for nutritional interventions in hospitals and clinics, and raising public awareness about the importance of nutrition in health management.Collaboration among stakeholders—public health agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations—will help develop comprehensive strategies that can considerably improve patient outcomes and reduce long-term healthcare costs.
TNE: Your insights make it clear that tackling disease-related malnutrition is a multifaceted challenge that requires systemic change.For our readers looking for practical advice, what steps can they take if they’re concerned about nutritional care for themselves or their loved ones?
KW: It’s vital for patients and families to advocate for nutritional care. Begin by discussing any dietary concerns with healthcare providers, especially if undergoing treatment for chronic conditions. Request nutritional assessments as part of hospital care. Families can also educate themselves on the importance of proper nutrition and actively participate in meal planning and preparation when possible. Additionally,being proactive about nutritional needs post-discharge can definitely help maintain wellness and prevent recurrence of malnutrition.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Wickramasinghe, for your valuable insights on disease-related malnutrition. It’s clear that a collaborative approach is essential for achieving better health outcomes.
KW: Thank you for having me. Spreading awareness about malnutrition is a critical step towards fostering healthier communities.