The reported use of dietary supplements (sip feeds) in hospitals in Wessex, UK

Brosnan, S., Margetts, B. M., Munro, J., Passey, C. and Rivers, H. (2001) The reported use of dietary supplements (sip feeds) in hospitals in Wessex, UK. Clinical Nutrition, 20 (5), 445-449. (doi:10.1054/clnu.2001.0468).

Abstract

Aims: To assess the prevalence of the use of supplements (sip feeds) in district general, psychiatric and community hospitals in the former Wessex health region.
Method: Cross sectional study of prevalence and determinants of supplement use in 10 district general hospitals (covering medical, surgical, orthopaedic, and elderly specialities), 4 psychiatric hospitals and 3 community hospitals.
Results: Overall 14% of patients were being supplemented although the variation across hospitals and specialities was wide (0%–35%); elderly care patients within district hospitals were most likely to be supplemented (20%; range 12–35%). In 34% of patients there was no documented reason as to why supplements were given. 60% of patients were not weighed on admission; 70% did not have a weight history recorded and 83% did not have a current weight recorded. Documentation regarding supplement use appeared to be recorded in an unsystematic manner.
Conclusions: Many patients were not being weighed on admission and appeared to have no documentation as to why supplements were given. Given the importance of malnutrition in hospital patients a more evidence based, objective approach to assessing nutritional requirements, intake and support may be beneficial.

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