Department Nutrition Improvement Plan

Purpose/Problem: Nutrition is a crucial aspect of diabetic management and wound healing. Diabetics and those with active wounds are at risk for delayed wound healing without optimal nutrition. Malnutrition prevents optimal wound healing, in spite of the medication or adjuncts used during wound care. Hospital departments have the opportunity to cater nutritious options to their patients to optimize nutritional intake for enhanced wound healing, decreased time to wound closure and overall diabetic management.

Objective: To improve the nutrition of patients receiving diabetic management and wound care. To increase education through examples of meals and protein supplements, and therapeutic nutrition powder provided during appointments, along with nutritional education by a Registered Dietician focused on wound healing.

Methods: Staff surveys in a Likert Scale format assessed the readiness for change within the department. Secondary data analysis and comparison of the Food and Drug Administration recommended daily dietary allowance to the nutritional data of the previous and post-implementation department selections. Revisions to the nutrition selections through department menus and pantries were made by decreasing the amount of carbohydrates and fats (in grams) while increasing the amount of protein (in grams). Implementation of protein and other wound healing nutrient supplementation to further encourage increased wound healing. Outcomes: Nutrition was improved as the amount of carbohydrates decreased by 60%, fat decreased by 31%, and protein increased by 7.5%. These revised selections are within the FDA standard and recommended amounts for diabetic management. Protein supplements* and therapeutic nutrition powder* is provided to patients when appropriate to promote healing.

Conclusions: Wound healing is promoted through a healthy dietary intake, without the proper caloric intake wounds will fail to close. Leading by example as healthcare providers through nutrition management and education; we are able to improve the health of our patients in the hospital and at home.