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Nutrition in Patient Care
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Nutrition in Patient Care

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Nutrition and Public Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 6275

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kalliopi Anna Poulia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Dietetics & Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Agricultural University of Athens, Iera Odos 75, 11855 Athens, Greece
Interests: diet; nutrition; malnutrition; chronic kidney disease; nutritional support; oncology nutrition
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Odysseas Androutsos

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Laboratory of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics (CND-Lab), Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Physical Education, Sport Science and Dietetics, University of Thessaly, 42132 Trikala, Greece
Interests: clinical nutrition; pediatric nutrition; obesity; obesity-related diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nutrition plays a crucial role in patient care, influencing overall health and recovery. A well-balanced and individualized diet is integral for supporting the body's immune system, promoting tissue repair and maintaining optimal energy levels. In hospitalized patients, adequate nutrition is vital as it aids in the prevention of malnutrition and enhances the effectiveness of medical treatments.

Nutritional support becomes paramount in managing chronic conditions, post-surgery recovery and the duration of an illness. Proper nutrition contributes to faster healing, reducing the risk of complications and improving the patient's quality of life. Additionally, it plays a key role in managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal disorders.

In healthcare settings, healthcare professionals, including dietitians and nurses, collaborate to assess patients' nutritional needs and develop personalized dietary plans. These plans may involve modifications in texture, consistency or nutrient composition, ensuring they align with the patient's medical condition and treatment goals.

The aim of this Special Issue is to provide updated information on the integration of nutrition into patient care, and optimizing health outcomes, enhancing recovery and preventing complications. We hope to provide healthcare professionals with up-to-date data on the holistic approach to healthcare, recognizing the interconnectedness of diet, wellness and the body's ability to heal.

Dr. Kalliopi Anna Poulia
Dr. Odysseas Androutsos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • malnutrition
  • patient care
  • nutritional support
  • healthcare
  • recovery
  • nutritional assessment
  • disease management
  • medical nutrition therapy
  • recovery
  • healthcare collaboration

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 556 KiB  
Article
Parental Perceptions About Energy Balance Related Behaviors and Their Determinants Among Children and Adolescents Living with Disability: A Qualitative Study in Greece
by Vaios Svolos, Dimitra Eleftheria Strongylou, Matzourana Argyropoulou, Anna Maria Stamathioudaki, Nina Michailidou, Theodora Balafouti, Renos Roussos, Christina Mavrogianni, Adriana Mannino, George Moschonis, Theodora Mouratidou, Yannis Manios and Odysseas Androutsos
Healthcare 2025, 13(7), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13070758 - 28 Mar 2025
Viewed by 462
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The prevalence of obesity is high among children living with disability. The present study aimed to examine the perceptions of parents and caregivers of children living with disability regarding children’s energy balance related behaviors (EBRBs) and their determinants. Methods: Parents/caregivers of children [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The prevalence of obesity is high among children living with disability. The present study aimed to examine the perceptions of parents and caregivers of children living with disability regarding children’s energy balance related behaviors (EBRBs) and their determinants. Methods: Parents/caregivers of children living with disability (n = 45) from Thessaly, Crete and Attica Regions of Greece, participated in semi-structured interviews between November and December 2023. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and transferred to N-VIVO software. The results were analyzed according to the framework of the socio-ecological model, using deductive thematic analysis. Results: Parents/caregivers reported that eating habits of children living with disability and their physical activity levels were poorer compared to the general population. At an individual level, certain disabilities may affect children’s food preferences and parents’ ability to prepare healthy foods. At a familial level, financial difficulties may influence healthy eating, whereas some parents/caregivers act as children’s role models to encourage them to be physically active. Home food environments may also influence children’s eating patterns and peer influence on their EBRBs. At a community level, lack of trained personnel, available amenities/equipment and food education initiatives and the availability of unhealthy foods in school canteens were described as major barriers to healthy EBRBs. At an organizational level, lack of accessible/safe facilities, the marginalization/stigma that children living with disability may experience and lack of dietitians/nutritionists in health centers were named as the main factors influencing children’s EBRBs. Conclusions: The findings of this study highlight the importance of designing multi-sectoral policy interventions to promote healthy EBRBs and tackle obesity in children living with disability in Greece. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Patient Care)
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29 pages, 522 KiB  
Article
Translating Evidence for a Mediterranean-Style Dietary Pattern into Routine Care for Coronary Heart Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: Implementation and Evaluation in a Targeted Public Health Service in Australia
by Hannah L. Mayr, Lisa Hayes, William Y. S. Wang, Eryn Murray, Jaimon T. Kelly, Michelle Palmer and Ingrid J. Hickman
Healthcare 2025, 13(5), 506; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13050506 - 26 Feb 2025
Viewed by 589
Abstract
Background: A Mediterranean-style dietary pattern (MDP) is embedded across coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) clinical guidelines. However, MDP evidence has not consistently been translated into practice. This study aimed to develop, integrate and evaluate implementation strategies to support [...] Read more.
Background: A Mediterranean-style dietary pattern (MDP) is embedded across coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) clinical guidelines. However, MDP evidence has not consistently been translated into practice. This study aimed to develop, integrate and evaluate implementation strategies to support clinicians in translating MDP evidence into routine care for CHD and T2D in the local context of a public health service. Methods: This study documents the implementation and evaluation phases of a broader knowledge translation project guided by the Knowledge-to-Action cycle. Multi-disciplinary clinicians in the cardiology and diabetes services of two large metropolitan hospitals and a post-acute community service were targeted. Strategies were prioritised utilising theory and stakeholder engagement and included facilitation, building a coalition, the engagement of clinical champions and local opinion leaders, educational meetings, consensus discussions, sharing local knowledge, consumer consultation, and the development and distribution of education materials. Surveys were conducted with clinicians and patients of targeted services to evaluate the reach, acceptability, feasibility, adoption and perceived sustainability of MDP in practice. Results: In total, 57 clinicians (7 dietitians, 29 nurses/diabetes educators, 15 doctors and 6 other allied health professionals) and 55 patients completed post-implementation evaluation surveys. The majority of clinicians agreed an MDP is appropriate to recommend in their clinical setting (95%), and most of the time/always their advice (85%) aligns. Education sessions were attended by 65% of clinicians, of which the majority indicated improved knowledge (100%) and change in practice (86%). Factors deemed most important to maintaining an MDP approach in practice were hard-copy education materials (85%) and access to a dietitian (62%). Of the patients who had received care from a dietitian of targeted services (n = 32, 58%), 100% recalled having discussed ≥1 MDP topic and 89% received education material. Of the patients who had received dietary advice from non-dietetic clinicians (n = 33, 60%), 67% recalled having discussed ≥1 MDP topic and 70% received education material. Conclusions: Targeted and theory-informed implementation reached the majority of surveyed clinicians and patients, and positively influenced the adoption, acceptability and feasibility of an MDP approach in routine care. Ongoing sustainability strategies are crucial with rotating clinician roles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Patient Care)
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12 pages, 228 KiB  
Article
Prevalence of Malnutrition in People Hospitalized for Surgery: Prospective Cross-Sectional Study
by Abdulrahman Alamri, Kholoud Alaamer, Yasser Almogbel, Hanan Alsalahi, Mananl Al Shareef, Saleh Alanazi, Hamza Al Samannoudi and Fahad Alhusaini
Healthcare 2025, 13(4), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13040380 - 11 Feb 2025
Viewed by 894
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Malnutrition poses a significant challenge to public health, affecting millions worldwide, particularly among people in hospital, notably among surgical cases that require adequate nutritional support for effective recovery. Factors contributing to malnutrition include chronic illnesses that hinder nutritional intake and socioeconomic [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Malnutrition poses a significant challenge to public health, affecting millions worldwide, particularly among people in hospital, notably among surgical cases that require adequate nutritional support for effective recovery. Factors contributing to malnutrition include chronic illnesses that hinder nutritional intake and socioeconomic barriers limiting food access. This study aimed to assess malnutrition in surgical patients at admission to enhance recovery, minimize complications, and improve clinical outcomes. Methods: This prospective observational cross-sectional study involved 282 adults hospitalized for over 48 h for surgery. This study utilized the MUST and MNA-SF assessments to evaluate malnutrition risk, confirming diagnoses via the GLIM criteria. Statistical analysis, including the Pearson chi-square test and univariate and multivariate logistic regression, identified significant malnutrition risk factors. Results: This study found an 18.1% malnutrition prevalence among these patients, with Stage 1 malnutrition being the most common at 9.6%. Additionally, a notable proportion of patients were classified as obese (46.5%) or overweight (27.7%). Men had higher malnutrition rates (12.8%) than women (5.3%). Age disparities were also significant, with higher rates among older (7.4%) and younger adults (7.1%) compared to middle-aged individuals (2.5%). Patients undergoing elective surgeries (9.9%) and emergency surgeries (6.7%) had higher malnutrition rates than those admitted for surgical complications. Furthermore, malnutrition was observed in 12% of patients undergoing orthopedic or general surgeries. Conclusions: Among adult patients admitted to surgical wards, malnutrition prevalence during admission was 18%, underscoring the need for comprehensive preoperative nutritional assessments and targeted interventions for patients undergoing surgery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Patient Care)
10 pages, 379 KiB  
Article
An Overlooked Challenge: A Retrospective Audit of Overnutrition in Hospital Rehabilitation Wards
by Hannah T. Olufson, Jennifer Ellick, Simone McCoy, Sally E. Barrimore, Tracy Knowlman and Adrienne M. Young
Healthcare 2025, 13(2), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13020188 - 18 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1083
Abstract
Background/Objective: Research shows that obesity has risen among rehabilitation patients. Despite this, nutrition care in subacute rehabilitation wards focuses primarily on preventing and treating protein-energy malnutrition. The continued provision of energy-dense meals during lengthy rehabilitation admissions may present a risk of overnutrition for [...] Read more.
Background/Objective: Research shows that obesity has risen among rehabilitation patients. Despite this, nutrition care in subacute rehabilitation wards focuses primarily on preventing and treating protein-energy malnutrition. The continued provision of energy-dense meals during lengthy rehabilitation admissions may present a risk of overnutrition for some patients, which can adversely affect functional outcomes. However, overnutrition is not routinely monitored in practice. This study summarizes the initial findings of a multi-site investigation of overnutrition incidence across five rehabilitation wards to scope the need for future research. Methods: A retrospective audit was conducted, including all inpatients admitted over 3 months to the study wards with a complete dataset (total sample n = 199). Data were collected from the medical record and menu management system to determine overnutrition, defined as an average daily energy intake equal to or greater than 1000 kJ above estimated requirements and weight gain of equal to or greater than 1 kg over the admission. Results: The incidence of overnutrition in the total sample was 12.1%. Of those patients deemed at low risk of malnutrition (n = 124), 19.4% developed overnutrition during their rehabilitation admission. Those who developed overnutrition during their admission gained an average of 2.9 kg, with a mean excess energy intake of 2456 kJ/day above estimated requirements. They also consumed a high intake of discretionary items (mean of 3156 kJ/day). Conclusions: The findings suggest that further research is needed to investigate the etiology and impact of the overlooked problem of overnutrition in subacute rehabilitation settings. Future investigation is essential to ensure that the planning and delivery of subacute dietetic and food services meet the nutrition needs of patients in longer-stay inpatient settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Patient Care)
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26 pages, 762 KiB  
Systematic Review
Impact of Nutrition Education on Various Health-Related Components of Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review
by Marouane Ouirdani, Amal Boutib, Asmaa Azizi, Samia Chergaoui, El Madani Saad, Abderraouf Hilali, Abdelghafour Marfak and Ibtissam Youlyouz-Marfak
Healthcare 2024, 12(12), 1197; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12121197 - 14 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2517
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the impact of nutrition education on various health-related components of hemodialysis patients. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant literature published between 2013 and 2023 was identified across two databases (PubMed and Science Direct). [...] Read more.
This study aimed to identify the impact of nutrition education on various health-related components of hemodialysis patients. A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant literature published between 2013 and 2023 was identified across two databases (PubMed and Science Direct). The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023460681). Two independent reviewers retrieved the data, and 41 studies were selected. Nine components related to the impact of nutrition education in hemodialysis patients were identified. Each component was clarified by mentioning each study and its results. This study enabled us to characterize the various components of the impact of nutritional education in hemodialysis patients, namely biological markers, quality of life, cost of care, adherence to dietary recommendations, knowledge, malnutrition inflammation, dietary intake, weight change, and behavior change. This systematic review enables healthcare providers to assess the impact of nutritional education on hemodialysis patients. Also, it gives professionals an exact idea of the impact of nutrition education on hemodialysis patients, with knowledge of new methods using behavior change theories and innovative technological tools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutrition in Patient Care)
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