The prevalence of malnutrition in hospitals can be reduced: Results from three consecutive cross-sectional studies

Aims To assess and compare the rates of malnutrition in Hammersmith Hospital NHS Trust over a 5-year period following changes in hospital nutrition care strategies. Methods Design: Three consecutive cross-sectional studies carried out in 1998, 2000 and 2003. Setting Inpatients at Hammersmith Hospital NHS Trust. Participants A total of 2283 inpatients aged over 16 years old, 686 in 1998, 780 in 2000, 817 in 2003. Inpatients excluded: ventilated patients, ante/post-natal women and people aged <16. Interventions Improvements in the catering service and nutrition education provision in 2000, and the implementation of a nutrition screening tool and ‘Better Hospital Food’ in 2003. Main outcome measure Prevalence of malnutrition. Results There was a reduction in the prevalence of malnutrition in 2000 and 2003 from baseline data in 1998 (1998: 23.5%, 161/686; 2000: 20.4%, 159/780; 2003: 19.1%, 156/817; P<0.001). The odds ratio of being either at risk of malnutrition or malnourished was reduced in both 2000 and 2003 by approximately 33% (P=0.001). Indicators of good nutritional practice also improved: Weighing patients on admission increased from 37.5% (257/686) in 1998, to 42.9% (335/780) in 2000, and 59.6% (487/817) in 2003 (P 0.001). Dietetic referrals also increased from 31.5% (216/686) in 1998 to 41.6% (340/817) in 2003 (P<0.001)(no change in 2000, 31%, 242/780). Appropriate referrals also improved, results showing that the proportion of malnourished patients who were referred showed a dramatic increase in 2003 (1998: 91/161, 56.5%; 2000: 85/159, 53.5%; 2003: 111/156, 71.2%; P=0.003). Conclusions The prevalence of malnutrition in hospital can be influenced by the implementation of a variety of nutrition care strategies, which target identification of malnutrition and its treatment.