Toward a pragmatic multidisciplinary management of nutritional risk in hospitalized patients: initiatives and proposals of the clinical nutrition network of Lombardy Region

Malnutrition is a widespread problem in hospitalized patients, which significantly impacts clinical outcomes, quality of life, and healthcare costs. Despite its well-documented consequences, it remains underdiagnosed and inadequately managed in many healthcare settings. Even with recent progress, key challenges remain, including inconsistent use of standardized nutritional screening tools and practices, insufficient professional training, and resource limitations. A multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, dietitians, nurses, and pharmacists is crucial for early detection, timely intervention, and prevention of malnutrition-related complications. The sustainability of a multidisciplinary model requires overcoming logistical and financial barriers, including the integration of technology for real-time monitoring, standardized screening protocols, and specific professional training. Regional initiatives, such as the establishment of the Clinical Nutrition Network of Lombardy (Italy), reported and discussed in this article, have made strides in improving nutritional care by promoting scientific networking and standardized practices across hospitals. This approach may not only improve patient outcomes but also reduce long-term healthcare costs by shortening hospital stays and preventing readmissions. For this model to be effective and sustainable, collaboration among healthcare providers, policymakers, and researchers is essential to promote an integrated, cost-effective approach to managing nutritional risk throughout the continuum of care.