Good nutritional practice in hospitals during an 8-year period: The impact of accreditation

Summary Background and aims "Good nutritional practice (GNP) that is screening, planning, monitoring and follow-up is mandatory for patients at nutritional risk". In 2012, accreditation in all Danish hospitals had been achieved including measurement of nutritional indicators. This study aimed to investigate GNP in Denmark during an 8-year period, and to discuss the impact of accreditation and barriers in the hospital setting. Methods A questionnaire-based investigation among doctors and nurses in Danish hospitals were compared to a similar investigation in 2004 and included 65 questions including GNP, knowledge, education, guidelines, organization and barriers. Four questions regarding accreditation by The Danish Healthcare Quality Program were added. Results Response rate was 25% (925 questionnaires returned). Significant improvements were seen in screening (76% vs 40%) ( p  = 0.000), nutrition plan (69% vs 46%), and monitoring (29% vs 46%) ( p  = 0.000). Lack of knowledge were among the most important barriers (41%). Conclusion After introduction of quality indicators in clinical nutrition according to the Danish Healthcare Quality Program, GNP improved. However a broad variation of effects might have influenced the improvements.