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Nutritional screening tools for hospitalized children: methodological considerations
Koen F M Joosten1, Jessie M Hulst2
1Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Intensive Care, Dr. Molewaterplein 60, 3015 GJ Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Hospitalized children face undernutrition risks, particularly those with underlying diseases. This review examines available nutritional screening tools for early detection and intervention in pediatric hospital settings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Clinical Assessment
- Healthcare Research
Background:
- Hospitalized children are susceptible to undernutrition, both acute and chronic.
- Undernutrition is a significant concern in pediatric populations, especially those with co-existing medical conditions.
- Previous studies indicate high prevalence rates of undernutrition in Western countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of nutritional screening tools for hospitalized children.
- To analyze the aims, clinical utility, and validity of existing pediatric nutritional screening instruments.
- To inform healthcare professionals about effective methods for identifying nutritional risks in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of nutritional screening tools for hospitalized children.
- Analysis of tool objectives, practical application in clinical settings, and evidence of accuracy.
- Focus on tools developed and validated in recent years.
Main Results:
- Multiple nutritional screening tools have been developed for pediatric hospital settings.
- The review details the specific goals and intended use of each tool.
- Information on the validity and reliability of these screening instruments is presented.
Conclusions:
- Effective nutritional screening is crucial for managing undernutrition in hospitalized children.
- A variety of tools exist, each with specific strengths and applications.
- Selection of an appropriate tool depends on clinical context and desired outcomes.
Abstract:
Children who are admitted to the hospital are at a risk of developing undernutrition, especially children with an underlying disease. High percentages of both acute and chronic undernutrition have been reported in various Western countries for many years. Several nutritional screening tools have been developed for hospitalized children in the last years. This review gives an overview of the nutritional screening tools that are currently available with a focus on their aims, clinical use and validity.