Identifying and managing patients with disease-related malnutrition in primary care

Resource
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Disease-related malnutrition can be challenging to treat. A disease, its treatment or the consequences of treatment can cause patients to experience a reduction in appetite and the desire to eat, resulting in an inability to consume sufficient food and drink to maintain or improve nutritional status. This article summarises a four-step approach to identifying and managing patients with disease-related malnutrition, and details how community and primary care nurses can effectively identify and manage the underlying causes of malnutrition and assist in advising on dietary modifications to enable enhanced patient outcomes.
Who is this resource for?
Explains what the component is for
This resource is aimed at nurses and nursing support workers across all settings and levels of practice, including students of health, social work and care professions.
Why you should read this article
to recognise the significant clinical consequences and potential health and social care costs of untreated malnutrition
to be aware of a four-step approach to identifying and managing patients with disease-related malnutrition in primary care
to count towards revalidation as part of your 35 hours of CPD, or you may wish to write a reflective account (UK readers)
to contribute towards your professional development and local registration renewal requirements (non-UK readers)