Optimizing the nutrition support care model: Analysis of survey data
- PMID: 35040154
- DOI: 10.1002/jpen.2326
Optimizing the nutrition support care model: Analysis of survey data
Abstract
Background: Malnutrition is underrecognized and underdiagnosed, despite high prevalence rates and associated poor clinical outcomes. The involvement of clinical nutrition experts, especially physicians, in the care of high-risk patients with malnutrition remains low despite evidence demonstrating lower complication rates with nutrition support team (NST) management. To facilitate solutions, a survey was designed to elucidate the nature of NSTs and physician involvement and identify needs for novel nutrition support care models.
Methods: This survey assessed demographics of NSTs, factors contributing to the success of NSTs, elements of nutrition education, and other barriers to professional growth.
Results: Of 255 respondents, 235 complete surveys were analyzed. The geographic distribution of respondents correlated with population concentrations of the United States (r = 90.8%, p < .0001). Most responding physicians (46/57; 80.7%) reported being a member of NSTs, compared with 56.5% (88/156) of dietitians. Of those not practicing in NSTs (N = 81/235, 34.4%), 12.3% (10/81) reported an NST was previously present at their institution but had been disbanded. Regarding NSTs, financial concerns were common (115/235; 48.9%), followed by leadership (72/235; 30.6%), and healthcare professional (HCP) interest (55/235; 23.4%). A majority (173/235; 73.6%) of all respondents wanted additional training in nutrition but reported insufficient protected time, ability to travel, or support from administrators or other HCPs.
Conclusion: Core actions resulting from this survey focused on formalizing physician roles, increasing interdisciplinary nutrition support expertise, utilizing cost-effective screening for malnutrition, and implementing intervention protocols. Additional actions included increasing funding for clinical practice, education, and research, all within an expanded portfolio of pragmatic nutrition support care models.
Keywords: chronic care model; malnutrition; medical economics; medical nutrition; nutrition; nutrition support; nutrition support teams; reimbursement.
© 2022 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.
References
REFERENCES
-
- Cederholm T, Jensen GL, Correia MITD, et al. GLIM criteria for the diagnosis of malnutrition-a consensus report from the global clinical nutrition community. Clin Nutr. 2019;38(1):1-9. doi:10.1016/j.clnu.2018.08.002
-
- Doley J, Phillips W. Coding for malnutrition in the hospital: does it change reimbursement? Nutr Clin Pract. 2019;34(6):823-831. doi:10.1002/ncp.10426
-
- Hudson L, Chittams J, Griffith C, Compher C. Malnutrition identified by Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/American Society for parenteral and enteral nutrition is associated with more 30-day readmissions, greater hospital mortality, and longer hospital stays: a retrospective analysis of nutrition assessment data in a major medical center. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2018;42(5):892-897. doi:10.1002/jpen.1021
-
- Guenter P, Abdelhadi R, Anthony P, et al. Malnutrition diagnoses and associated outcomes in hospitalized patients: United States. Nutr Clin Pract. 2018;36(5):957-969. doi:10.1002/ncp.10771
-
- Guerra RS, Sousa AS, Fonseca I, et al. Comparative analysis of undernutrition screening and diagnostic tools as predictors of hospitalisation costs. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2016;29(2):165-173. doi:10.1111/jhn.12288
MeSH terms
Grants and funding
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Medical
Miscellaneous