Nutrition support care map targets monitoring and reassessment to improve outcomes in trauma patients

A year-long analysis of barriers to optimum nutrition care was conducted by an interdisciplinary team of clinicians in a complex trauma center. Goldratt's Theory of Constraints was applied as the method of analyzing the system of care with the goal of improving nutritional outcomes in patients with traumatic injuries. Monitoring and reassessment of nutritional status, as they were currently conducted, were identified as weak links in the nutrition care process. To correct this, a nutrition support care map was constructed that included mutually agreed on roles and responsibilities for monitoring and reassessment.