Clinical Observations

The prevalence of malnutrition is undeniably high: up to 40% of patients are malnourished on admission to a hospital. It places a significant burden on individuals, and the economic impact continues to put unnecessary strain on healthcare resources. A recent U.K. study estimated that disease-related malnutrition cost the United Kingdom up to £13 billion (approximately U.S.$20 billion).1 As much of this malnutrition is reversible, early detection and prompt treatment are essen-tial. Treatment can also be effective in reducing mortality and complication rates. Across Europe, governments are urged to take actions to improve the recognition and treatment of malnutrition. The Dutch Ministry of Health was one of the first governments in Europe to introduce mandatory screening and treatment of malnutrition in hospitals. The Ministry established 17 perfor