Nutrition assessment: a management tool for providing quality care.

Abstract

When planning nutrition intervention programs in a health care facility or the community, an analysis of the service population is necessary to determine the levels of care than can be provided. The use of screening and monitoring techniques will maximize the resources that are available and increase the amount of care that can be given. By using baseline nutrition assessment data, health outcomes can be measured over time and cost-effectiveness of the program can be evaluated. Examples of studies that measure effectiveness of nutrition services and programs are reviewed. Specific steps are suggested to simplify the documentation of the process and outcomes of nutrition intervention.