Alimentation et soins nutritionnels dans les hôpitaux : une vision européenne

Abstract

Disease-related undernutrition is significant in European hospitals but is seldom treated. In 1999 the council of Europe decided to collect information regarding Nutrition programmes in hospitals and for this purpose a network consisting of national experts from 12 of the Partial Agreement member states was established. The aim was to review the current practice in Europe regarding hospital food provision, to highlight deficiencies and guidelines to improve the nutritional care and support of hospitalised patients. Five major problems seemed to be common in this context: (1) lack of clearly defined responsibilities; (2) lack of sufficient education; (3) lack of influence of the patients; (4) lack of co-operation among all staff groups; (5) lack of involvement from the hospital management. To solve the problems highlighted, a combined “team-effort” is needed from national authorities and all staff involved in the nutritional care and support, including support managers.