Nutrition deficits are common in patients with chronic illnesses reliant upon nutrition support and can contribute to an increase in cognitive deficits that impact treatment adherence and challenge patients' abilities to cope and successfully implement appropriate psychological and psychosocial interventions. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach addresses biological, psychological, and social barriers that help patients, families, and caregivers develop and maintain proper nutrition behaviors that can enhance patients' quality of life and reduce frustration and misunderstandings with medical providers. This article is a review of the literature, and it advances the importance of encompassing a biopsychosocial approach when addressing the needs of individuals with nutrition support needs.
Keywords: biophysical phenomena; chronic disease; integrated delivery of health care; nutritional support; psychological adaptation; social barriers.
© 2019 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.