To determine the prevalence of malnutrition in hospitals, the researchers surveyed about 10,000 patients from 245 U.S. hospitals and found one in three adults is at risk of malnutrition during hospitalization.
The study found over half (51 percent) of patients leave most of their meals uneaten while in the hospital. It also found patients who ate none of their food had a nearly six times higher risk of death than those who ate some food.
If patients do not eat well-rounded meals while staying in the hospital, they have a higher chance of health complications and delayed recovery, the researchers said.
“Patients don’t always have the best appetite or desire to eat while in the hospital, so it’s important to create an environment and serve up options that promote optimal food intake,” said lead study author Abby Sauer, a registered dietitian at Abbott.
More articles on clinical leadership & infection control:
Medical scribes boost physician productivity, speed patient visits, study shows
58 healthcare organizations snare CMS awards to improve care
2 DMC hospitals at risk of losing Medicare contracts over infection control issues
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
