Abstract
An analysis of food and nutrient intake is crucial to identify malnutrition in hospitalized pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to describe the food/nutrient intake analysis process for hospitalized pediatric patients in the United States and identify specific areas for quality improvement. Researchers conducted semistructured qualitative interviews with registered dietitian nutritionists working in pediatric hospitals in the United States. The main themes that emerged were purpose of calorie counts, communication, training, recording intake, and nutrient analysis results. Assessment of food/nutrient intake in hospitalized pediatric patients was multidisciplinary and complex. This qualitative study highlights points for leveraging quality improvement.