Nutritional Care of the Older Patient with Fragility Fracture: Opportunities for Systematised, Interdisciplinary Approaches Across Acute Care, Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Settings

Abstract

Nutritional care of the older patient with fragility fracture is complex. Diagnostic difficulties, multi-morbidities and interdependencies and social complexities all contribute to the wicked problem of malnutrition. Whilst many settings have attempted to address malnutrition through highly specialised care, increasing evidence supports the role of systematised, interdisciplinary approaches across acute care, rehabilitation and secondary prevention settings. Consequently, this chapter is devoted to highlighting why a SIMPLE approach to malnutrition should underpin the nutritional care of the older patient with fragility fracture, regardless of setting or healthcare provider. SScreen for nutrition risk IInterdisciplinary assessment MMake the diagnosis (es) PPlan with the patient LimpLement interventions EEvaluate ongoing care requirements.