Extending the Reach of Hospital-Based Nutrition: A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist's Perspective on the Malnutrition Quality Improvement Initiative and Improving Patient Recovery

J Acad Nutr Diet. 2019 Sep;119(9 Suppl 2):S44-S48. doi: 10.1016/j.jand.2019.05.022.

Abstract

Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) at Legacy Salmon Creek Medical Center (Washington) recognized a need to use nutrition to help patients recover faster and stay independent longer. With the goal of decreasing 30-day hospital readmission rates, the RDNs at Legacy Salmon Creek developed a program for posthospital nutrition care. The intervention was a pilot program designed to provide palatable and nutritious meals to patients at home during a 4-week, postdischarge interval. The RDNs obtained approval from hospital administrators and received buy-in from nursing staff who participated in RDN-led training on malnutrition awareness and risk screening. Results of the pilot program indicated a high level of patient satisfaction and a decrease in the rate of readmissions. FUNDING/SUPPORT: Publication of this supplement was supported by Abbott. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics does not receive funding for the MQii. Avalere Health's work to support the MQii was funded by Abbott.

Keywords: Electronic health records; Malnutrition; Nutrition; Outcomes assessment; Quality improvement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Dietetics / education
  • Education, Nursing / methods
  • Electronic Health Records
  • Food Services
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Malnutrition / diagnosis*
  • Malnutrition / therapy*
  • Nutrition Assessment
  • Nutrition Therapy / methods*
  • Nutritionists*
  • Patient Readmission / statistics & numerical data
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Pilot Projects
  • Quality Improvement*
  • Risk Assessment
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Washington