The Importance of Food Care Services in Healthcare Organizations: Food and Nutrition in Hospitals

Abstract

The medicinal value of food has been known for many years. Intuitive eating offers satisfaction and considers the impact of food on the body. The association between genomic DNA and the impact of food on the body is called nutrigenomics. Nutrition care is central and can ensure patients' happiness, reduce duration of stay in hospitals, and prevent readmissions thereby reducing costs. Tools are available for nutritional assessment for people of all ages. Nutrition recommendations published by European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) could guide. Health care needs a paradigm shift to person-centred care. The barriers in implementing the new methods of person-centred care need to be identified. Collectively, the engagement of hospital staff and patients' families is required for person-centred nutrition care. Interventions must be based on scientific evidence. New knowledge must be translated for application and health informatics can aid significantly. After all, healthy citizens are a nation's wealth.