Acute Care

In the acute-care setting, factors contributing to an increase in the demand for medical nutrition therapy include the aging of the population, the higher acuity level of hospitalized patients, and the coexistence of malnutrition with chronic diseases. Adequate nutrition is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality from acute and chronic disease. Well-nourished persons are more resistant to disease and are better able to tolerate other therapy and to recover from acute illness, surgical interventions, and trauma. Nutrition plays a direct role in the recovery of a patient from disease or the treatment associated with the disease.