Abstract
Undernutrition is a common problem both in somatic care at general hospitals, and in somatic and social care in the municipal services for the elderly in the community. The aim of this study was to investigate the routines and the needs for education in nutrition. 142 questionnaires were distributed, 24 to general hospitals and 118 to municipal services for the elderly in the community. The result of the study showed that nutrition was discussed during the patients' first meetings with staff in both organisations. Monitoring of weight was more often carried out during the patients' admittance to the hospitals than in community care and the patients' status and diagnosis were factors that decided how often the monitoring should take place. After a discharge from hospital or a transfer to another unit of care there were no significant differences between the two organisations concerning routines for the documentation. Needs for education about nutrition was found in both organisations.
