Outcomes of Screening And Nutritional Intervention Among Older Adults in Healthcare Facilities

Abstract

A nutritional screening and early intervention program was administered to older adults in a subacute care facility. The study group was recruited among patients aged 65 or older, who were admitted to the geriatric and rehabilitation units of two hospitals. Two simple, reliable, and valid tools were used to screen subjects for the risk or presence of malnutrition. Those determined to be at high nutritional risk (n=62) were included in the study. Dietitians then conducted a full nutritional assessment and implemented a nutritional care plan for these subjects. Weekly follow-up was completed to measure oral intake, weight, and biochemical indices. A Short-Form 36 Health Survey was administered upon admission and discharge. Results showed significant increases in energy (p=0.0001) and protein (p=0.01) intakes, and in serum albumin (p=0.001), prealbumin (p=0.003), transferrin (p=0.024), and hematocrit (p=0.026) levels. There was also a significant increase in seven of the eight dimensions of the health-related quality of life questionnaire (p<0.05). Outcomes improve when older adults are screened for the risk or presence of malnutrition and receive an early nutritional care program.

A.S.P.E.N. Clinical Guidelines

“…This guideline places nutrition assessment and screening in the context of intervention as part of nutrition care 23 , 48 . ‐ 51 Nutrition intervention in malnourished patients was associated with improved nutrition status, 48 , 49 nutrient intake, 50 physical function, 49 , 51 and quality of life 51 . In addition, hospital readmissions were reduced (Table 7).…”

The contribution of dietitians to the primary health care workforce

“…[22][23][24][25][26][27] The results indicated that positive health outcomes are seen when older populations are treated by dietitians in the community. Table 2 shows the studies' characteristics and outcome measures with statistically significant results.…”

“…[23][24][25][26][27] One study also showed that dietetic training of other health professionals in nutrition improved their nutrition knowledge long-term and their reported management of malnutrition. 22 The economic analyses also demonstrated the financial benefit of dietetic intervention in primary care.…”

“…Patients were seen for follow-up weekly, which is also feasible in a community setting. 26 Tyrovolas et al observed the difference in elderly populations with and without access to a dietitian in their community, over a five-year cohort study period. 27 The long-term presence of a dietitian increased the adherence of older people to a healthy dietary pattern.…”

“…ORIGINAL SCIENTIFIC PAPER 26 This study was completed in an inpatient environment. Patients were seen for follow-up weekly, which is also feasible in a community setting.…”