title: Care of malnourished patients.
abstract: Around 40 per cent of hospital patients are affected by malnutrition. It increases morbidity and mortality and may reduce immune function, so impairing wound healing. The first response should be to increase 'normal' food, such as full-fat milk or cream. Ice cream is beneficial because it is nutritious and easy to swallow. Those with poor appetites should eat 'little and often'.