Success Stories

Simple screening tool gets kids the nutrition they need

Story by Jason Morton
Submitted by Laura Carter RD

CALGARY — When it comes to a child’s health, nutrition plays a critical role in recovery and development. A new initiative at Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACH) is helping ensure kids get the nutrition support they need from the moment they arrive, thanks to a simple screening tool that’s transforming patient care.

Led by Dr. Genevieve de Caen, a hospitalist, and Sharla Stoffman, a pediatric dietitian, the project introduced a routine four-question nutrition screening, performed by nurses within the first 24 hours of a child’s hospital stay. This quick and easy process has already flagged several children at risk of malnutrition, connecting them to dietitians for timely interventions and better outcomes.

“Nurses found this screening easy to complete, and it identified children who might not have otherwise seen a dietitian during their hospital stay,” says Stoffman. “By screening every child upon admission, the hospital ensures that no child at risk of malnutrition goes unnoticed.”

After a successful pilot in one unit — exceeding its target with over 75 per cent of screenings completed — the project has now expanded to a second unit, and will soon roll out to the entire hospital.

“Nutrition is fundamental for health and recovery,” says Dr. de Caen. “Our goal is to give every child the best start by ensuring their nutrition needs are met early on.”

This proactive approach is part of Alberta Children’s Hospital’s commitment to turning research into practice, advancing care and creating a healthier future for children.

The success of the project also aligned with the theme of this year’s Canadian Malnutrition Awareness Week — ACT: Advocate, Collaborate, Transform — a reminder of the impact that early action can have on health outcomes.