Research led by CAPHRI researcher Ruud Halfens and Jos Schols
Dutch battle against malnutrition receives international recognition
The Dutch Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (NESPEN) received the ‘Best Initiative to Fight Malnutrition’ award in Nice during the annual ESPEN European nutrition conference. This award offers critical recognition for the many activities in the Netherlands that are aimed at combating disease-related malnutrition.
The Dutch approach is implemented in the Netherlands by the Malnutrition Steering Group in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and the National Prevalence Survey of Care Problems (LPZ) at Maastricht University. The LPZ, run by CAPHRI researcher Ruud Halfens, has measured patient care in both national and international health care institutes since 1998. Its malnutrition department is managed by CAPHRI researchers Jos Schols and Judith Meijers.
“Top-down and bottom-up approach of malnutrition leads to a decrease in prevalence rates in all health care settings in the Netherlands”, says David Forrest, chair of the MNI grant jury.
Disease-related malnutrition can lead to longer recovery times, poor quality of life and premature death. Malnutrition awareness therefore remains essential. The LPZ (National Prevalence Survey of Care Problems) showed that approximately 25 percent of adults and 20 percent of children admitted to hospital are malnourished. Malnutrition is also prevalent in 20 percent of nursing home patients and in 15 percent of home care clients.
An increased intake of protein and nutrients can improve quality of life and accelerate recovery rates, with substantial financial savings as a result. Dutch doctors and healthcare professionals are becoming increasingly aware of this issue and have worked hard over the past five years to promptly identify and treat malnutrition.
Screening tools and guidelines have been developed in recent years for hospitals, nursing homes, GP offices and home care organisations to facilitate the timely detection and adequate treatment of malnutrition.
The successful Dutch approach was rewarded with the international Medical Nutrition International Industry (MNI) grant today in Nice during the ESPEN conference.
The MNI awards an annual grant of €30,000 to the country showing the best initiatives in addressing the issue of malnutrition. The prize is given to a project that combats disease-related malnutrition.