“Golden Hour” Nutrition Screening Could Save Lives as Hospital Malnutrition Crisis Worsens, Experts Warn
Health experts are sounding the alarm over a growing but often overlooked crisis in hospitals worldwide—malnutrition among patients. At a recent global webinar hosted by the West African Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (WASPEN) and the Indian Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, specialists called for urgent reforms to clinical nutrition protocols, including a “golden hour” approach to screening patients within six hours of admission.
A Silent but Deadly Crisis
Daphnee Lovesley, Chief Clinical Dietitian at Apollo Hospitals, delivered a stark warning: malnutrition in hospitals is far more widespread than many realize. Shockingly, at least 11 patients per minute go undiagnosed, while up to two-thirds of hospital admissions already show signs of malnutrition. In parts of Africa, that figure skyrockets to 85%.
“Delaying nutritional care beyond the first 24 hours puts patients at extreme risk,” Lovesley cautioned. Left untreated, malnutrition can lead to severe complications, including muscle wasting (sarcopenia), prolonged hospital stays, and even premature death.
Gaps in Detection and Regional Disparities
A 2024 scoping review of 28 studies across Africa revealed malnutrition rates ranging from 8% to 85%, with detection methods varying widely. The study urged immediate adoption of standardized screening tools to improve diagnosis.
Globally, malnutrition affects up to 50% of hospitalized patients, with higher risks among the elderly, cancer patients, and those in intensive care. Research consistently links malnutrition to worse outcomes, including slower recovery and higher mortality rates.
The “Golden Hour” Solution
To combat this crisis, experts advocate for mandatory nutritional screening within six hours of admission—a “golden hour” approach modeled after emergency medical protocols. Early detection allows for timely interventions, such as tailored meal plans or supplements, preventing complications like muscle loss and infections.
Lovesley emphasized that this strategy aligns with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) framework, which helps identify high-risk patients using factors like weight loss, poor dietary intake, and disease severity.
Nigeria’s Struggle with Implementation
While progress is being made, challenges remain—particularly in Nigeria. WASPEN President Teresa Pounds stressed the need for structured clinical nutrition systems nationwide. She urged the Nigerian government to fully operationalize its Nutritional Steering Committee (NSC) and integrate global best practices into hospital accreditation standards.
“Hospitals—both public and private—must prioritize routine nutritional assessments and form multidisciplinary teams to ensure screenings within 24 hours,” Pounds said. “Nutrition isn’t optional; it’s a core part of treatment.”
Broader Impact on Healthcare Systems
The consequences of malnutrition extend beyond individual patients. Untreated cases can add two to three extra days to hospital stays, increasing healthcare costs and straining resources. Experts recommend practical measures like protected mealtimes (ensuring patients eat without interruptions) and a “food-first” approach before resorting to supplements.
A Call to Action
Pounds closed the webinar by framing clinical nutrition as a public health priority, urging sustained commitment from policymakers, hospitals, and medical professionals. She also highlighted the upcoming WASPEN conference (June 22-25) as a key platform for advancing nutrition care in West Africa.
“Nutritional assessment is our most effective tool against preventable deaths in hospitals,” she said. “We must act now.”
— Reported by Nexio News
