Implementation of a Transitions of Care Nutrition Intervention for Malnourished Patients

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine if a 5-week transitions of care (TOC) nutrition intervention, led by a registered dietitian (RD) decreases unplanned hospital readmissions and improves nutrition status among hospitalized patients with malnutrition. A mixed-methods study design was used. Due to the small sample size (n = 21), statistical power was not met, non-parametric statistical tests were used, and the quantitative data was interpreted with caution. The qualitative results shed light on the meager quantitative data. Staff interviews highlighted barriers to implementation of a successful RD-led TOC nutrition intervention. Addressing these barriers in future quantitative research could be informative.