Optimizing Clinical Nutrition Management for Elderly Hospitalized Patients: Current Practices and Insights

BACKGROUND The global rise in the elderly population has amplified the urgency to address age-related nutritional risks, as malnutrition among older hospitalized patients contributes to poor clinical outcomes and shows the need for targeted nutritional interventions. This study aimed to assess the clinical nutrition management of elderly hospitalized patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 227 hospitalized patients who received nutrition consultations in the Department of Geriatrics at Peking University People's Hospital from May 2017 to September 2020 were included in this study. We conducted a retrospective review of their medical records, collecting basic clinical information, nutritional status, consultation times and recommendations, compliance with clinical advice, and changes in blood biochemical indicators. RESULTS Among 227 patients, 160 (68.75% male and 73.49% female) were at nutritional risk. Those with type 2 diabetes, pulmonary infections, gastrointestinal diseases, chronic kidney disease, and anemia had a higher incidence of nutritional risk (* P<0.05). Of these, 204 adhered to the nutritionists' intervention plan, with the highest implementation rate for health education (98.73%) and the lowest for oral nutritional supplements (ONS) at 83.87%. Noncompliance included 69% failing to take oral supplements and 22% refusing tube feeding. Patients following nutritional advice had significantly shorter hospital stays (P=0.03, P=0.00). After the intervention, total protein and albumin improved, with low-risk patients showing higher levels in total enteral nutrition (* P<0.05). No significant differences were found in high-risk patients (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Effective clinical nutrition management for elderly patients requires enhanced dietary supply practices, standardized consultation implementation, and the active involvement of patients' families in nutritional planning, ultimately improving overall healthcare outcomes.