Malnutrition in the hospital patient.

This film highlights the importance of nutrition for post operative patients, specifically the ingestion of protein, proven to aid speedy recovery. Improved recovery rates are demonstrated when a patient is given a high protein diet. The film is in the form of dramatised case studies of a number of patients. Rogers, a male of 35 years old, was admitted for a routine gall bladder operation. (Rogers sits in bed after his meal smoking a cigarette). Perry, another patient, is admitted for an operation. Dr Pollack enacts a briefing with an intern about the patient (Pollack smokes). Pollack explains the metabolism of proteins and how this impacts on the period of convalesance. DuBois' published work is referred to in the library; DuBois himself provides commentary. There is a short archive sequence during World War I showing outdoor feeding stations / soup kitchens. Further explanation is given with graphics. Patients presenting with pellagra are shown. Dr Elan then operates on the patient with the intern in attendance. His treatment post-operatively is discussed. There is an entertaining sequence with a female patient being served post-operatively with an enormous amount of 'normal' food to illustrate adequate protein consumption - a large pot roast or 20 or more glasses or milk.