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Research Paper | Nutrition Science | India | Volume 13 Issue 4, April 2024 | Rating: 5.8 / 10

A Study on Correlation between Nutrition Delivery and Length of Stay in Critical Care Unit at a Tertiary Hospital

Swetha Anisingaraju | Venkat Raman Kola

Abstract: Background: When admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), critically ill patients experience significant calorie and protein deficits, which significantly contribute to longer hospital stays. Objective: To study the prescription and delivery gap in critical care nutrition in a tertiary hospital and its impact on length of stay. Methodology: It is a prospective observational study carried out in the critical care unit over a two - month period with 147 patients who were admitted to the acute medical care unit and needed a minimum three - day stay. The required information was obtained from the hospital's critical care unit and compared the length of the patient's ICU stay with nutrition delivery. Results: The majority of critically ill patients (76%) are at risk of malnutrition when they are admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and there is a notable discrepancy between actual and recommended delivery, which has been linked to longer ICU stays. Conclusion: There are several guidelines for the provision of nutrition support therapy in critically ill patients, but there should be specific strategies to implement the nutrition recommendations in critical care settings to improve nutrition practices. Early, ideal, and sufficient nutrition helps patients to achieve better overall outcomes.

Keywords: Prospective observational study, critical care nutrition, length of stay, recommended delivery

Edition: Volume 13 Issue 4, April 2024,

Pages: 442 - 445