Nutrition program could save hospitals $3800 per patient

Maintaining high levels of nourishment in hospitals not only speeds up patient recovery times, but also proves to be cost effective. Implementing a nutrition program could save hospitals up to $3800 per patient, according to a study published in the American Health and Drug Benefits journal and supported by Abbott.

Advocate Health Care implemented a nutrition care program in four of its Chicago hospitals using two nutrition Quality Improvement Programs (QIP). The study used 1269 participants aged 18 and over who were at risk of malnutrition and enrolled in hospital between October 2014 and April 2015. Screening included a four-question test, and those showing signs of malnutrition were provided with additional nutrition supplements alongside their regular hospital meals.

Results published in December 2016 found that using nutrition programs reduced the 30-day readmission rates of patients by 27% and shortened hospital stays by about two days.

With 1 in 3 people admitted to hospital being malnourished or at risk of being malnourished, this decreases their likelihood of a quick recovery. Previous research has proven that malnutrition can also cause complications such as infections and falls, which encourages higher readmission rates. The average hospital visit costs an average of $2000 per day, therefore extended hospital stays or multiple admissions caused by malnutrition can become a financial burden on the healthcare industry.

Advocate Health Care Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Lee Sacks, MD, explained the benefits of value-based care.

“The study’s findings demonstrate that modest changes in the way we care for patients, such as ensuring patients are nourished during their hospital stay, can have a big impact in reducing costs and improving health outcomes.”

Health outcomes researcher at Abbott and lead author of the study Suela Sulo agreed.

“This research confirms that implementing nutrition-focused quality improvement programs, like the ones at Advocate Health Care, can help patients recover from their hospitalisation faster while also removing some of the burden of financial pressures placed on health systems today.

“As providers, administrators and payers face added pressures from rising healthcare costs, value-based nutrition interventions should be considered in all hospitals across the US.”

Rising numbers of malnourished patients are becoming a concern, and hospitals and healthcare systems are investigating the value of nutrition to improve the care of patients.