Patterns of nursing home referrals to consultant dietitians.

A survey was conducted to evaluate nursing home referrals to consultant dietitians of residents with nutrition-related concerns, the frequency of such referrals, and the timeliness of dietitians' responses. The results showed that, although residents with significant weight loss and pressure ulcers constituted a higher proportion of nutrition concerns referred to the dietitian, most referrals were made from a week to a month after the nutrition concern was identified. Residents with tube feedings or dysphagia concerns were more likely to be referred in a more timely manner, within 1 to 2 days.