OBJECTIVE: This study of the nutritional care management in hospital, one in Brazil and the other in France, departs from an analysis of the work of dieticians and nutritionists, supported by ergonomics and anthropotechnology. METHODS: Data was obtained from documents, semi-structured interviews and direct observation. RESULTS: The results suggested that the working conditions of the professionals focused on herein were directly affected by the characteristics of the operational environment. A comparatively more challenging scenario is encountered in Brazil, due to low investments in the health system, lack of education, limited acquisition power and access to consumption, deficient worker background, changes in eating behaviour and population ageing. On the other hand, the developing industrial context, of the country, in association with the nutritionists qualified background and working experience, are positive aspects in their favour. In France, health professionals are assisted by higher investments and better organization of the health system, resulting in improved conditions for the management of population ageing, changes in eating behaviour, low worker background, treatment of chronic non-transmissible diseases, and home health care. The educational background of dieticians is not easily recognized in the health area. CONCLUSION: Recommendations are devised herein in an attempt to contribute to the qualification and as well as work of nutritionists, to the management of nutritional care Brazil.
ergonomics; anthropotechnology; nutritionist; nutritional care; hospital food and nutrition services
