Survey to establish the current status of artificial nutritional support in Europe

Summary Nutritional support is an integral part of clinical practice but its importance is often overlooked. The need for an integrated approach, an unequivocal appreciation of the financial and clinical benefits and a clear vision for the future has seldom been greater. The ESPEN Education Committee is currently developinga range of other initiatives which will enhance activities at national level. These include the publication of consensus guidelines on a wide range of clinical topics and developing peer support mechanisms for nurses, pharmacists and dietititans. In particular the courses in nutritional support which are held each year in both Maastricht and the Eastern European countries are helping to meet some of the specific needs which have been identified, mainly for medical practitioners. ESPEN is an organization which has a commitment to supporting and developing all aspects of nutritional support. This initial survey has identified some of the key issues which need to be addressed and it should be repeated at regular intervals to monitor developments. Although the data which has been collected on this occasion is neither complete nor robust, it provides a useful basis for strategic development. This is particularly relevant to Council members who are interested in raising the profile of nutritional support within their own countries.