Category: Hospital management

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, dietetics is the science of applying food and nutrition to health and disease. The dietetics department, therefore, plays a pivotal role within a healthcare system, ensuring proper nutrition is an integral part of a patient's treatment and recovery process. This department's functions extend beyond just food preparation and are crucial for improving patient outcomes and overall public health.

Between 20% and 50% of patients are at risk of malnutrition upon hospital admission, a figure that highlights a significant and persistent challenge in patient care. Despite being a well-documented problem, hospital malnutrition remains widely underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to higher morbidity, increased healthcare costs, and longer hospital stays.