Within France’s national programme on nutrition and health (PNSS, Programme National Nutrition et Santé – ministerial plan 31/01/01) being implemented by the government over 2001-2005, malnutrition has become a major issue, especially in the hospital sector. This has led to the setting up of liaison committees on food and nutrition (CLAN, Comités de Liaison Alimentation et Nutrition) and has highlighted the need to detect and treat malnutrition in elderly people and people arriving at the hospitals.
The diagnosis of malnutrition must also be standard practice in urban medicine, through the work of healthcare providers or paramedics (family doctor, domiciliary nurses, pharmacists, social workers, home help agencies).
With the increase in hospitalisation and care in the home, every healthcare professional has a role to play. There must be discussion and contact between :
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 hospital staff (doctors, dietitians, nurses) and the family doctor.
domiciliary nurses, dietitians or nurses in home hospital organisations and the general practitioner or the family. They are all in contact with patients on a day-to-day basis and they must indicate any change or deterioration in the patient’s overall condition.
the pharmacist and the patient or his/her family. Through a few simple questions, a pharmacist can detect a patient at risk and encourage him/her to discuss the issue with his/her doctor. A pharmacist can also suggest dietary treatment for malnutrition (in the form of an oral supplement).
social services (home helps, social workers) and the family or friends. Home helps are in constant contact with patients and they must raise the alarm if there is any change in the patient’s mood, appetite or general condition.
the family doctor and the patient. The doctor must provide advice on diet (number of meals, types of food, variety etc.) and explain the importance of a good nutritional diet for general health. The doctor can also suggest treatment with oral nutritional supplements to be taken in addition to the usual intakes. |
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