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Emergency Department

Prairie Mountain Health Celebrates Malnutrition Week October 6-10th, 2025.

This is How Dietitians Help Patients Heal: Tackling Malnutrition in Hospitals

Did you know that up to half of adults and a third of children in Canadian hospitals are affected by malnutrition? It’s a serious issue that often goes unnoticed. And no—malnutrition isn’t just about not eating enough. It’s about not getting the right nutrients your body needs to heal, fight infections, and stay strong.

When people are in the hospital—especially after surgery, injury, or dealing with chronic illness—their bodies need even more nutrients. That’s where dietitians come in.

Why Dietitians Are Essential

Dietitians are nutrition experts. They know how to assess a patient’s health, figure out exactly what nutrients are needed, and create personalized nutrition plans to support recovery.

They work closely with doctors, nurses, and other specialists to make sure nutrition isn’t overlooked. For example:

  • Swallowing problems? Dietitians team up with speech-language pathologists to create safe, nutritious meals or recommend tube feeding.
  • Digestive issues? They adjust diets to help patients absorb nutrients better.
  • Wounds or infections? Dietitians increase protein and energy in meals to help the body heal faster.

The Hidden Costs of Malnutrition

Malnourished patients often stay in the hospital longer, recover more slowly, and face more complications. This not only affects their health—it also costs the healthcare system around $2 billion each year in Canada. Malnutrition can lead to muscle loss, weaker immune systems, and a higher risk of getting sick again.

Catching Malnutrition Early

The good news? Hospitals in Canada use special tools to spot malnutrition early:

  • Canadian Nutrition Screening Tool (CNST): A quick two-question check done within 24 hours of admission.
  • Subjective Global Assessment (SGA): A more detailed review by a dietitian to confirm malnutrition and plan treatment.
  • Integrated Nutrition Pathway for Acute Care (INPAC): A system that helps hospital teams work together to catch and treat malnutrition quickly.

These tools help dietitians act before things get worse. By identifying risks early and providing the right nutrition, dietitians don’t just treat illness—they help patients recover faster and stronger.