Well-established nutritional structure in Scandinavian hospitals is accompanied by increased quality of nutritional care

• The aim of this study was to investigate Scandinavian nurses self-reported attitudes, practice and barriers towards nutrition practice, and to explore whether nurses working in departments with a well defined structure (w-DS) for nutritional aspects, have better nutritional practise. Preventing and treating undernutrition is shown to be complicated. Investigations are needed to priority efforts. The design is a questionnaire-based investigation of Scandinavian hospital nurses attitudes and practise to clinical nutrition. A questionnaire regarding nutritional care process sent to 6000 nurses in Scandinavia. A definition of w-DS and p-DS (less defined structure) was made according to ESPEN Guidelines. Nurses were classified as working at w-DS or p-DS departments, if three or more of five organisational structure markers were met. Overall 2759 responded. Discrepancy was found between attitudes and practise (p less than 0.0001). W-DS was found in 49%. Nurses who worked at departments with w-DS had higher frequency for nutrition actions (p less than 0.0001). Knowledge and time past graduation, were amongst independent factors for good nutritional structure (p less than 0.0001). Differences were seen between countries and specialities (p less than 0.0005). Organisation structure recommended by ESPEN seems important. Knowledge and experience were independent factors for good nutrition structure. The content of nutrition education needs consideration.

Nyckelord

Attitude; Barriers; Nursing; Organisation structure; Practise; Undernutrition

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MEDICIN

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