Nutrition education on malnutrition in older adults in European medical schools: need for improvement?
Eglseer D, Visser M, Volkert D, Lohrmann C (2019)
Publication Type: Journal article
Publication year: 2019
Journal
Book Volume: 10
Pages Range: 313-318
Journal Issue: 2
DOI: 10.1007/s41999-018-0154-z
Abstract
PurposeMalnutrition is a condition which is highly prevalent, especially in older persons. Physicians play an important role in multidisciplinary nutritional management, but often feel inadequately prepared to provide nutritional information/therapy to their patients. The aim of this study was to gather information on curricular content on malnutrition in older persons in basic study programs for medical doctors.MethodsWe selected a cross-sectional study design and used a Web-based online survey. We emailed the Web link to those persons responsible for curriculum development at 310 medical schools in 31 European countries.ResultsA total of 26 (8.4%) medical schools in 12 European countries completed the questionnaire. The topic of malnutrition in older adults was included as part of the medical students' curricula at 50.0% (13 out of 26) of the participating institutions. Most commonly topics taught in the institutions were causes of malnutrition (13, 50%), assessment of malnutrition (13, 50%) and consequences of malnutrition (12, 46.2%). The topic of malnutrition screening was addressed in nine (35%) of the institutions.ConclusionsBased on our results, we strongly recommend including the topic of malnutrition in older adults in the undergraduate curricula of medical students in Europe. A special focus should be placed on multidisciplinary cooperation. Integrative teaching that targets all professional groups could be one option. Initiatives need to be carried out to create a higher level of awareness and promote improvements in nutrition education for medical doctors.
Authors with CRIS profile
Involved external institutions
Netherlands (NL)How to cite
APA:
Eglseer, D., Visser, M., Volkert, D., & Lohrmann, C. (2019). Nutrition education on malnutrition in older adults in European medical schools: need for improvement? European Geriatric Medicine, 10(2), 313-318. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s41999-018-0154-z
MLA:
Eglseer, Doris, et al. "Nutrition education on malnutrition in older adults in European medical schools: need for improvement?" European Geriatric Medicine 10.2 (2019): 313-318.
BibTeX: Download