MALNUTRITION

Addressing Malnutrition to Support Healthy Outcomes for Patients

Addressing Malnutrition to Support Healthy Outcomes for Patients

Sub Heading

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently approved a new quality measure to help reduce malnutrition.

Main Image

Duration
AUG. 23, 2022   3 MINUTES 
Description

Malnutrition affects 20-50% of hospitalized adult patients, yet only approximately 8% are diagnosed. Posing a significant burden to hospitals and patients, malnutrition often leads to increased readmissions, longer lengths of stay, higher health care costs, and increased mortality and morbidity.

To help improve the quality of care for adult patients with malnutrition and help reduce hospital stays and health care costs, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued a ruling that includes the Global Malnutrition Composite Score (GMCS) as a quality measure for hospitals.

Stewarded by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and developed by Avalere, the GMCS is the first nutrition-focused quality measure and first electronic measure in any CMS payment program. With the goal of reducing and eliminating malnutrition, the measure is comprised of four components designed to identify and intervene for malnutrition, mitigate risk, and educate patients to help reduce the occurrence and its impact on health:

1. Screen for malnutrition risk: Nutrition screening using a validated tool upon hospital admission

2. Conduct nutrition assessment: Nutrition assessment using a standardized tool for those identified with nutrition risk

3. Document malnutrition diagnosis: Documentation of nutrition diagnosis for those identified as malnourished

4. Develop nutrition care plan: Establishment of a nutrition care plan for those identified as malnourished or at risk

These four components of the GMCS were developed, tested, and fine-tuned through the Malnutrition Quality Improvement Initiative. Implementation of the GMCS and related quality initiatives is an important opportunity for hospitals to address the burden of malnutrition and improve outcomes for patients and families. For more information, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Simple Device Helps Identify Childhood Nutritional Challenges

Main Image

 

Description

Strong partnerships are key to building health equity by effectively addressing health disparities, expanding access to resources and removing barriers that prevent people from living healthy lives. Tackling the global issue of childhood malnutrition requires our best efforts. Severe malnutrition affects 45 million children worldwide each year — the equivalent of 1 out of every 3 children under age 5.

NUTRITION IS THE FOUNDATION FOR LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE. THAT’S WHY WE WORK HARD TO ADVANCE AND SHARE THE LATEST SCIENCE AND CREATE BETTER WAYS TO NOURISH YOUR BODY AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE.

Subscribe Policy

I understand and agree that the information I’ve provided will be used according to the terms of Abbott’s Privacy PolicyTerms and conditions apply.

Unless otherwise specified, all product and services names appearing in this Internet site are trademarks owned by or licensed to Abbott, its subsidiaries or affiliates. No use of any Abbott trademark, tradename, or trade dress in the site may be made without the prior written authorization of Abbott, except to identify the product or services of the company.