Effectiveness of interventions for undernourished older inpatients in the hospital setting Implications for practice

In health care today, undernutrition or malnutrition among elderly hospitalised patients is a widespread problem resulting in serious or adverse health outcomes. Psychosocial factors contribute to the risk of inadequate nutrition or undernourishment in older adults. Many older patients live on fixed incomes, have reduced access to food (social isolation), have poor knowledge of nutrition, or are dependent on others (caretakers or institutions) for food preparation. They may also suffer from depression, bereavement, dementia, or alcohol use. Undernutrition is, however, generally not recognised in treating elderly patients who are in the hospital system. There is evidence to suggest that this condition delays recovery and has the effect of lowering resistance to medical complications. Indeed, studies have demonstrated there is a link between undernutrition and lengthened hospital stay, mortality and morbidity. Malnourished older patients consult their general practitioners more frequently, are in hospital more often and for longer periods, and have higher complication and mortality rates.