Title

Development and implementation of responsible discharge care protocol for hospitalized elderly with chronic diseases and in need of special nutritional support.

Authors

Thieme, Rubia Daniela; Pinto, Lauren Machado; Macedo, Darla Silverio; del Carmen Muñoz Palm, Rosibeth; Madalozzo Schieferdecker, Maria Eliana

Abstract

Introduction: Elderly with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD's) are often hospitalized with fragility and malnutrition and Nutrition Therapy (NT) may be needed. Objective: To report an experience of development and implementation of a care protocol for hospitalized elderly with NCDs complications and need of NT, and to organize protocol activities in accordance with responsible discharge and continued care planning. Methodology: Experience report of a transition and continued care protocol development and implementation for hospitalized elderly patients with NCDs, malnutrition, and need of NT, between August, 2011 and January, 2012. Results: Participation of elderly and their families/caregivers was central in designing the protocol. The responsible discharge and the communication in health, through home visits, were systematized on transition and continued care planning. Discussion: The systematized protocol allowed health care continuity across settings through communication strategies. The high prevalence of malnutrition in hospital settings suggests that nutritional surveillance, appropriate and early NT planning and monitoring of nutritional status in primary care are flawed. When indicated, nutritional support established in hospital settings must be continued in patient's home and NT must be ensured in primary care. Conclusion: Care protocol development and implementation, with transition and continued care planning and responsible discharge, supported health communication to continuity of NT at home.

Subjects

HEALTH of older people; HOSPITAL admission & discharge; DIET therapy

Publication

Demetra: Food, Nutrition & Health / Alimentação, Nutrição & Saúde, 2014, Vol 9, p269

ISSN

2238-913X

Publication type

Academic Journal

DOI

10.12957/demetra.2014.10347