The benefits of nutritional interventions are well documented and studies in older populations have shown reduced rates of complications, reduction in length of hospital stay and a reduction in care costs.¹ Malnutrition continues to be a key area of concern, fuelled by an ageing population, an increase in chronic conditions and poor mental health and poverty; 32% of people in the UK aged 65 and over are at risk of malnutrition on admission to hospital.²

Patients with malnutrition compared to well-nourished patients have been shown to:

• Have increased stay in hospital by ≥ 3 days²
• Be three times more likely to have an infection while in hospital³
• Be more likely to have a post-operative complication^4-6
• Have higher care costs.⁷ 

We know that effective management of malnutrition requires a holistic approach supported by multidisciplinary working across clinical teams: dietitians, pharmacists, nurses and doctors.¹ Appropriate management of nutrition can optimise the overall quality of patient care, improve clinical outcomes and reduce costs¹.

Fresenius Kabi is committed to the fight against malnutrition not only through the provision of nutritional products, but through the development of educational tools and resources to support practice.