Health System Quality Improvement: Impact of Prompt Nutrition Care on Patient Outcomes and Health Care Costs. Issue 3 (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Meehan, Anita; Loose, Claire; Bell, Jvawnna; Partridge, Jamie; Nelson, Jeffrey; Goates, Scott
• Is Part Of: Journal of nursing care quality. Volume 31:Issue 3(2016:Jul./Sep.)
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: malnutrition -- medication administration record -- nutrition -- nutrition risk screening -- oral nutritional supplements -- quality improvement; Nursing -- Standards -- Periodicals; Nursing audit -- Periodicals; Health facilities -- Safety measures -- Periodicals; Nurse administrators -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000177
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1057-3631

Abstract

Abstract : Among hospitalized patients, malnutrition is prevalent yet often overlooked and undertreated. We implemented a quality improvement program that positioned early nutritional care into the nursing workflow. Nurses screened for malnutrition risk at patient admission and then immediately ordered oral nutritional supplements for those at risk. Supplements were given as regular medications, guided and monitored by medication administration records. Post–quality improvement program, pressure ulcer incidence, length of stay, 30-day readmissions, and costs of care were reduced.