Clinical Nutrition in Portuguese Gastroenterology Departments: A Multicentric Study

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Hospital Nutrition
• Public Health

Background:

• Hospital malnutrition affects up to 50% of patients, increasing morbidity and mortality.
• Adequate nutritional support (NS) is crucial for patient recovery and hospital efficiency.
• Evaluating the role of gastroenterology departments in hospital nutrition is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the involvement of Portuguese gastroenterology departments in nutritional support (NS).
• To specifically evaluate their engagement in artificial nutrition (AN) practices.
• To identify areas for improvement in hospital nutrition services.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted.
• An online survey was distributed to 31 Portuguese gastroenterology departments.
• Nine departments participated in the study.

Main Results:

• All participating departments were involved in NS activities.
• Endoscopic gastrostomy was the most common procedure; expertise in endoscopic jejunostomy varied.
• Few departments had dedicated AN outpatient clinics or systematic nutritional evaluations.
• Limited research involvement and a need for increased staff and training were identified.

Conclusions:

• Gastroenterology departments are engaged in NS/AN, but with varying levels of expertise and resources.
• Medical nutrition training and increased staffing are key to advancing NS/AN.
• Gastroenterologists play a central role in managing nutrition-related disorders within a multidisciplinary framework.