title: The European view of hospital undernutrition.
abstract: Disease-related undernutrition is significant in European hospitals but is seldom treated or prevented. In 1999, the Council of Europe decided to collect information regarding nutrition programs in hospitals, and for this purpose, a network consisting of national experts from 12 of the Partial Agreement member states was established. The aim was to review the current practices in Europe regarding hospital food provision, to highlight deficiencies, and to issue recommendations to improve the nutritional care and support of hospitalized patients. Five major common problems were identified: 1) lack of clearly defined responsibilities, 2) lack of sufficient education, 3) lack of influence and knowledge of the patients, 4) lack of cooperation between different staff groups, and 5) lack of involvement from the hospital management. To solve the problems highlighted, a combined timely and concerted effort is required from national authorities and hospital staff, including managers, to ensure appropriate nutritional care and support.
authors.affiliation: Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, Moerkhoej Bygade 19, DK-2860 Soeborg, Denmark.
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Beck
authors.forename: Ulla N
authors.initials: UN
authors.lastname: Balknäs
authors.forename: Maria E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Camilo
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fürst
authors.forename: Maria G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Gentile
authors.forename: Kaija
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hasunen
authors.forename: Liz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Cora
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jonkers-Schuitema
authors.forename: Ulrich
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Keller
authors.forename: Jean-Claude
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Melchior
authors.forename: Bent E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Mikkelsen
authors.forename: Marusa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pavcic
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Schauder
authors.forename: Lauri
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sivonen
authors.forename: Orla
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Zinck
authors.forename: Henriette
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Øien
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ovesen