Well-established nutritional structure in Scandinavian hospitals is accompanied by increased quality of nutritional care

SummaryThe aim of this study was to investigate Scandinavian nurses' self-reported attitudes, practice and barriers towards nutrition practice, and to explore whether nurses working in departments with a well defined structure (w-DS) for nutritional aspects, have better nutritional practise. Preventing and treating undernutrition is shown to be complicated. Investigations are needed to priority efforts. The design is a questionnaire-based investigation of Scandinavian hospital nurses' attitudes and practise to clinical nutrition. A questionnaire regarding nutritional care process sent to 6000 nurses in Scandinavia. A definition of w-DS and p-DS (less defined structure) was made according to ESPEN Guidelines. Nurses were classified as working at w-DS or p-DS departments, if three or more of five organisational structure markers were met. Overall 2759 responded. Discrepancy was found between attitudes and practise (p < 0.0001). W-DS was found in 49%. Nurses who worked at departments with w-DS had higher frequency for nutrition actions (p < 0.0001). Knowledge and time past graduation, were amongst independent factors for good nutritional structure (p < 0.0001). Differences were seen between countries and specialities (p < 0.0005). Organisation structure recommended by ESPEN seems important. Knowledge and experience were independent factors for good nutrition structure. The content of nutrition education needs consideration.