Tag: Hospital dietetics

According to the National Library of Medicine, reduced food intake is associated with malnutrition among hospitalized patients, affecting approximately 32% of inpatients. This is why every patient in a hospital receives a diet order, a medical directive that specifies their personalized nutrition plan to aid in their recovery.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for dietitians is projected to grow 11% by 2028, faster than average for all occupations. A significant portion of this growth is in clinical settings, where an inpatient dietitian plays a critical role in patient care, recovery, and overall health outcomes during a hospital stay.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, registered dietitians are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose, and treat diet and nutrition-related problems. The department that provides special diets for patients is most commonly known as the Clinical Nutrition or Dietetics Department, and it is staffed by these trained experts.

Studies show that up to 78% of patients are malnourished upon entering the ICU, which is why understanding exactly what do dietitians do in the ICU is so critical for patient recovery. They provide specialized medical nutrition therapy to support organ function and overall health during a time of extreme stress on the body.