Malnutrition (Undernutrition) Clinical Pathway — Inpatient
Goals and Metrics
Children and youth with special healthcare needs should be routinely screened for malnutrition. According to recommendations from the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.), the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), all members of the healthcare team should collaborate to ensure that screening for malnutrition becomes a routine part of pediatric care.
Infant, pediatric and adult malnutrition can lead to more complicated hospitalizations due to progression of the underlying disease or condition, poor wound healing, or slow return to previous level of activity. Comprehensive assessment and nutrition interventions in undernourished and malnourished children can reduce the need for more costly hospitalization by addressing nutritional deficits that can predispose the patient to acute illness or exacerbate the underlying disease or condition. Routine screening and nutrition intervention can help to prevent the incidence of acquired malnutrition during hospitalization.
The goals of this pathway include:
- Accurate and consistent (reproducible between providers) recognition and diagnosis of infant, pediatric and adult malnutrition at CHOP
- Consistent documentation of nutritional status for CHOP patients