Similar health economic outcomes in low-risk and high-risk malnourished inpatients as screened by the Malnutrition Screening Tool after delivery of oral nutritional supplements.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether modified low- and high-risk Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) scores (2 versus >2, respectively) were independently predictive of health economic outcomes.

Methods: We analyzed data from a recent nutrition-based quality improvement program (QIP) that prescribed daily oral nutritional supplements for all hospitalized adults at risk for malnutrition. In the original study, an electronic medical records-based MST was administered at the time of admission, and patients were classified as "low risk" or "high risk" for malnutrition based on MST scores (2 versus ≥2).

Reducing Hospitalizations and Costs: A Home Health Nutrition-Focused Quality Improvement Program.

Background: Identification and treatment of malnutrition across the care continuum can help prevent illness onset or relapse and maximize the effectiveness of other medical treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a nutrition-focused quality improvement program (QIP) conducted in a home health agency (HHA) on hospitalization rates and healthcare costs incurred over 90 days.

Methods: This was a multisite, pre-post QIP implemented at 2 branches of an Illinois-based HHA.

Nutrition-Focused Quality Improvement Program Results in Significant Readmission and Length of Stay Reductions for Malnourished Surgical Patients.

Background: Addressing nutrition needs of inpatients results in improved health outcomes. We conducted a post hoc analysis of previously published data. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the clinical benefits of a nutrition quality improvement program (QIP) in surgical patients when compared with medical patients.

A Comprehensive Nutrition-Focused Quality Improvement Program Reduces 30-Day Readmissions and Length of Stay in Hospitalized Patients.

Background: Although screening patients for malnutrition risk on hospital admission is standard of care, nutrition shortfalls are undertreated. Nutrition interventions can improve outcomes. We tested effects of a nutrition-focused quality improvement program (QIP) on hospital readmission and length of stay (LOS).