Celebrating Dietitians Day 2025: Advancing nutrition care at the MUHC

This Dietitians Day, the MUHC is excited to share a big step forward in the fight against malnutrition. A new protocol has been introduced, inspired by the Integrated Nutrition Pathway for Acute Care (INPAC) and aligned with leading nutrition guidelines (ASPEN and HSO). At the heart of this initiative is the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA), a critical tool for diagnosing and managing malnutrition. 

Malnutrition: A hidden threat 

Malnutrition, as defined by the Canadian Malnutrition Task Force (CMTF), is an imbalance of energy, protein, and nutrients, which often goes unnoticed in clinical settings. Undernutrition can impair wound healing, weaken immunity, extend hospital stays, and increase complications, mortality, and healthcare costs. “Early detection is critical,” says Deborah Fleming, Manager of Clinical Nutrition Services (adult sites),”since malnutrition can affect anyone, regardless of age, size or medical condition.” 

Why the SGA is a game-changer in nutrition care? 

Recognized as the gold standard for diagnosing malnutrition, the SGA is a proven, non-invasive tool used by dietitians to identify and assess malnutrition. 

It looks at key factors like: 

• recent food intake
• weight changes
• gastrointestinal symptoms
• physical signs of malnutrition, such as
  • muscle wasting
  • loss of subcutaneous fat, and
  • fluid accumulation 

Based on these factors, patients are grouped into three categories: SGA A (well-nourished), SGA B (mild/moderate malnutrition), and SGA C (severe malnutrition). These results help dietitians in developing personalized nutrition plans to meet each patient’s unique needs.  

Implementation at the MUHC 

Already implemented successfully at the Lachine Hospital, the SGA protocol will launch this spring at the adult sites of the MUHC. This initiative relies on strong collaboration between dietitians and dietetic technicians, who play a key role in screening new admissions for malnutrition risk. “If a patient is flagged as “at-risk” during admission screening,” says Deborah, “a dietitian intervenes to conduct a comprehensive SGA assessment.” 

This team-based approach enhances the early detection, prevention, and treatment of malnutrition. Collaboration among healthcare providers, dietetic technicians, dietitians, and patient families is vital to monitor and support nutritional needs. “The nutrition team has received thorough training to ensure a seamless integration of the SGA into clinical practice,”adds Deborah. 

Moving forward 

The rollout of the SGA across the MUHC is a significant step forward in improving patient care, highlighting the critical role of dietitians in advancing health outcomes. This Dietitians’ Day 2025 celebrates the unwavering commitment to better nutrition and patient well-being. 

Together, let’s continue to lead in the fight against malnutrition!