Assessment of food intake in hospitalised patients: a 10-year comparative study of a prospective hospital survey

Clin Nutr. 2011 Jun;30(3):289-96. doi: 10.1016/j.clnu.2010.10.002. Epub 2010 Nov 9.

Abstract

Background & aims: A food quality control and improvement permanent process was initiated in 1999. To evaluate the food service evolution, protein-energy needs coverage were compared in 1999 and 2008 with the same structure survey in all hospitalized patients receiving 3 meals/day.

Methods: Nutritional values of food provided, consumed and wasted over 24h including non-exclusive nutritional support were calculated individually. Nutritional needs were estimated as 110% of Harris-Benedict formula for energy and 1.2 or 1.0 g protein/kg/day for patients <65 or ≥65 years old, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified factors associated with low nutritional intake in both populations standardized to body mass index (BMI) of 1999's patients.

Results: Out of 1677 patients, 1291 were included. Mean BMI was higher in 2008 than 1999 (P<0.001). The proportion of underfed patients was unchanged (69 vs. 70%, NS). The consumption of ≥1 oral nutritional supplements (ONS) daily increased the protein needs coverage from 80% to 115% (P<0.001). The year 1999, high BMI, 1st week of hospital stay, specific diet, ONS absence and low meal quality were associated with low nutritional intakes.

Conclusion: The nutritional needs coverage could have improved in 2008 if BMI was similar to 1999's. ONS consumption is associated with a lower risk of underfeeding in hospitalized patients.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Body Mass Index
  • Diet
  • Dietary Proteins / administration & dosage
  • Eating* / psychology
  • Energy Intake
  • Female
  • Food Preferences
  • Food Service, Hospital*
  • Food, Formulated
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Malnutrition / epidemiology*
  • Malnutrition / prevention & control
  • Malnutrition / psychology
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutrition Surveys
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quality Control
  • Risk Factors
  • Switzerland / epidemiology

Substances

  • Dietary Proteins