How does nutritional state change during a subacute admission? Findings and implications for practice

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Nutritional status influences patients' clinical and functional outcomes. The aims were to identify changes in nutritional state during subacute care and associated participant characteristics. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A longitudinal study was undertaken with consecutive patients admitted to subacute care wards during a 3-month period. Participants were recruited under a waiver of consent to reflect the usual demographic. Change in classification (malnourished, at risk of malnutrition, well nourished) of the full Mini Nutritional Assessment (full MNA) between admission and discharge was the primary outcome. Weight (kg), mid-arm and calf circumference (cm) change were secondar..