This week is Malnutrition Week (10 – 14 October), and this year’s theme “Be a Nutrition Champion” highlights the shared responsibility of healthcare workers, families, and patients to ‘champion’ the role nutrition plays in preventing and treating malnutrition.
Our responsibility to reduce malnutrition rates in hospitals is outlined under the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards, Standard 5: Comprehensive Care. You can also refer to Monash Health’s Malnutrition Clinical Guideline on PROMPT, which details the multidisciplinary approach to managing malnutrition in our patients.
During Malnutrition Week, practical tips for patients will be provided on meal trays at lunchtime to empower patients to take control of their nutrition. Look out for the “Not feeling hungry?” flyer.
Managing nutrition effectively can assist with recovery from illness, improving strength and function, and increasing quality of life and life expectancy. Malnutrition can negatively impact real people and their everyday lives, and can prolong a hospital stay.
Glen’s story
Glen Gould, a Monash Health cancer patient, is at high risk of malnutrition. As with all patients, Glen is regularly screened for signs of malnutrition, which can present as unintended weight loss through poor appetite.
Patient Glen Gould (R) with Maureen, CDU Patient Services Assistant (L)
Despite arriving at the Chemotherapy Day Unit (CDU) with a high degree of trepidation and anxiety, Glen was soon put at ease by the nurses looking after him.
“I was introduced to the nurses who would be looking after me, it was then that my feelings of trepidation and anxiety dissipated. I knew in my heart that those nurses had my best interest at heart. Their dedication and professionalism deeply impressed me,” says Glen.
“With each admission to CDU, my weight was taken and compared to my previous weight. I was also asked several questions about my eating and my appetite. This was to monitor my malnutrition risk.”
During treatment, Glen is offered and encouraged to have lunch and a variety of snacks and drinks provided by Food Services, the Patient Services Assistants, and the volunteers.
“I learnt the importance of proper nutrition for ongoing health and strength, and to help me better tolerate and recover from my treatment.”
Glen has been receiving treatment for three months. Through chemotherapy and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise, Glen is now able to undergo surgery to remove the shrunken cancer.
“I must make a special mention to June the dietitian who gave me excellent advice on how to eat properly and exercise in order to get fit for my cancer operation.”
If you would like to learn more about how we manage malnutrition at Monash Health, you can contact Sheree Phillips, Manager Nutrition and Dietetics.
For more information on Malnutrition Week, you can visit the Dietitian Connection website.
Approved by Danielle Ryan