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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Experts say good nutrition helps patients recover quicker

Experts say good nutrition helps patients recover quicker

Published Jun 18, 2024 02:53 am
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An advocacy group emphasized the critical role of good nutrition in expediting patient recovery, addressing the pressing need to prevent and treat hospital malnutrition. 

In a statement on Tuesday, June 18, Alvin Manalansan, health and nutrition fellow of international think tank Stratbase Institute and co-convenor of UHCWatch, explained that optimizing patient care through proper nutrition improves clinical outcomes, reduces hospitalization costs, and improves overall quality of care.

UHCWatch is a network composed of patient groups and civil society organizations.

Manalansan advocates for better integration of nutrition within the healthcare system, starting with an evaluation of the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) as mandated by the Department of Health (DOH) Administrative Order 2019-0033.

This process ensures nutrition screening upon patient admission by registered nurses, with referrals to registered nutritionist-dietitians (RNDs) for those needing medical nutrition therapy.

“By following these guidelines, healthcare providers can more effectively meet patients' nutritional needs, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being,” Manalansan said.

Multisectoral concensus

He echoed the consensus reached by multisectoral experts during a roundtable discussion co-organized by Stratbase and UHCWatch in April. 

Participants included officials from the DOH, the Board of Nutrition and Dietetics of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), healthcare professionals, academics, civil society organizations, and patient advocates.

DOH Undersecretary for Health Regulation and Facility Development Dr. Emmie Liza Perez-Chiong highlighted the crucial role of the NCP in comprehensive patient care, signifying a commitment to advancing healthcare quality in Philippine facilities.

PRC’s Board of Nutrition and Dietetics Chairperson, Virgith Buena, also stressed the crucial role of RNDs in assessing patients’ nutritional requirements and devising personalized food plans.

“RNDs have a broader concept of wellness, plus the prevention and treatment of conditions by using food as medicine,” Buena said.

Challenges and legislative needs

Despite the benefits, challenges in NCP implementation were acknowledged, such as limited management support, resource constraints, and training deficiencies among RNDs in both public and private hospitals.

Dr. Aguedo “Troy” Gepte IV, a nutrition consultant, highlighted the need for legislative action to ensure sustainable NCP implementation and enhance interdisciplinary cooperation in hospitals.

“The aim for a potential law to guide NCP implementation in hospitals is to develop a more comprehensive strategy that would prioritize policy implementation review, interdisciplinary cooperation, and educational programs,” said Gepte, who is the author of a policy paper commissioned by the Stratbase Institute evaluating the integration of NCP within the Philippine healthcare framework.

Meanwhile, Dr. Gabrielle Ann Dela Paz-Tolang, Chief of the Policy, Planning, and Program Development Division at the DOH Health Facility Development Bureau, said the NCP should be viewed as an investment rather than an additional expense. 

She noted that this approach has the potential to reduce patients’ admission time and hospitalization costs, thereby easing congestion in hospitals.

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Stratbase Department of Health (DOH)
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