The study analyzed 11 years of data on hospitalized Medicare patients, half of whom had received an oral nutrition supplement, usually a liquid food providing additional calories, energy and nutrients.
Oral nutrition supplement administration resulted in:
- An 8.4 percent readmission risk reduction for patients with any diagnosis, a 10.1 percent readmission risk reduction for congestive heart failure patients and a 12 percent readmission risk reduction for heart attack patients.
- A 16 percent (1.65 day) decrease in average length of stay.
- A 15.8 percent ($3,079) decrease in average costs per episode.
The study concluded nutrition supplements may be a cost-effective way to improve quality of care and avoid readmissions penalties under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
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