Nutrition care practice patterns for patients with COVID‐19—A preliminary report

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is a respiratory virus that poses risks to the nutrition status and survival of infected patients, yet there is paucity of data to inform evidence-based quality care. METHODS: We collected data on the nutrition care provided to patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). RESULTS: Hospitalized COVID-19 patients (N = 101) in this cohort were older adults and had elevated body mass index. The most frequent nutrition problems were inadequate oral intake (46.7%), inadequate energy intake (18.9%), and malnutrition (18.4%). These problems were managed predominantly with enteral nutrition, food supplements, and multivitamin-multimineral supplement therapy. Over 90% of documented problems required a follow-up. CONCLUSION: This data set is the first of its kind to report on the types of nutrition diagnoses and interventions for COVID-19 cases used by RDNs and highlights the need for increased and continued nutrition care.