title: [How to assess the nutritional status of my patient].
abstract: Protein-energy-malnutrition is a growing problem in industrialised countries. Many studies have found malnourishment in 20-60% of hospitalized medical or surgical patients, as well as out-patients. Malnutrition negatively influences patients' prognosis, immune system, muscle strength, and quality of life. As it is a largely treatable co-morbidity, systematic screening for malnutrition and effective management will improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Early diagnosis and assessment depends on a simple and standardised screening tool that identifies at-risk patients, allowing the medical team in charge to solve patients' nutritional problems with an interdisciplinary approach.
authors.affiliation: Poliklinik für Endokrinologie, Diabetologie und Klinische Ernährung, Universitätsspital Bern.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Leuenberger
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Joray
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kurmann
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Stanga
mesh_terms: D000886:Anthropometry; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D002149:Energy Intake; D058006:General Practice; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D008403:Mass Screening; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D013557:Switzerland