Inadequate oral intake in surgical patients: a rational indication for nutritional support

Authors: Townsend, Sara; Palmer, Diane; MacFie, John

Source: Journal of Human Nutrition & Dietetics, Volume 10, Number 3, 1997-06 , pp. 193-195(3)

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Abstract:

Seven days or more of inadequate oral intake (IOI) inevitably results in a deterioration in nutritional status. Despite this well-known fact, little information is available as to the frequency with which such periods of IOI occur in clinical practice. This study results from an audit of IOI in a gastroenterological unit over a 6-month period. The results demonstrate that 17% of patients sustained significant periods of IOI of 7 days or longer. This has important implications with regard to the provision of adjuvant nutritional support.

Keywords: malnutrition; nutritional support; oral intake

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-277X.1997.00053.x

Affiliations: 1: Combined Gastroenterology Service, Scarborough Hospital, Scarborough, UK

Publication date: 1997-01-01