Nutritional screening: Phlebotomist rounds to collect lifestyle factors in newly hospitalized patients; results available in laboratory reports. A feasibility trial

Abstract

Summary Background & aims Although mandatory since 2006 performance and registration of screening for nutritional risk and lifestyle factors such as habitual diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking at Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte is not optimal. The aim of the present study was to investigate feasibility and cost of having phlebotomists perform nutritional risk screening and registration of lifestyle factors on their rounds within 24 h of patient admittance and include results in the laboratory reports. Method Centralized registration of nutritional screening and lifestyle factors on admittance of in-patients during summer 2011. A weighing chair, height rod and paper forms were taken directly to the patient by the appointed staff. Results Of 822 patients, 33% were referred to nutritional screening and lifestyle factor registration. Information was lacking in the laboratory reports for 76% ( N = 623) due to transfer of patients, discharge etc. Average collection time was 12 (5–30) min and entering data took 9 (3–35) min, giving a total of 24 (8–55) min per patient. This results in a cost of approximately 10€ per patient. Conclusion We conclude the proposed setup of phlebotomist rounds and registration in laboratory reports cannot fulfil mandatory assessment of nutritional screening and lifestyle factors from all patients.