Implementation of a multidisciplinary nutritional assessment program
Jensen, T.G.; Dudrick, S.J.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association 79(3): 258-266
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-8223 PMID: 6790596 Document Number: 171398
Although the high incidence of malnutrition in hospitals has documented the need for comprehensive nutritional assessment programs, implementation of such programs in the traditional hospital setting presents a challenge for those involved with nutrition management. A multidisciplinary nutritional assessment program implemented by Hermann Hospital and the University of Texas Medical School at Houston is aimed at identifying clinical and subclinical malnutrition, and implementing aggressive, effective therapy. The nutritional assessment is based on dietary interviews with patients, medical records, anthropometric measurements, biochemical testing, and recall skin antigen testing; it is repeated every 10 days. A team is composed of nutrition technicians, staff nurses, hyperalimentation nurses, a program coordinator, the physician, and a clinical dietitian specialist. All data are integrated on a standard form, which is then used to formulate a diagnosis and treatment plan. (author/cj)