Nutrition Program for Older Colombian Outpatients at Malnutrition Risk Prevents Decline of Functional Performance and Strength

OBJECTIVES: We assessed whether a comprehensive, nutrition-focused quality improvement program (QIP) prevented the decline of functional performance and strength among Colombian older adults presenting for outpatient care following a recent hospitalization and/or for chronic disease management. METHODS: QIP patients classified as at-risk or malnourished based on the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) received care from the outpatient clinical service of Hospital Universitario San Ignacio in Colombia between 09/2019–03/2020. Functional performance and strength were assessed via handgrip strength measurements utilizing a hand dynamometer pre and post QIP. Patients were followed for up to 12 weeks after baseline visit, received a 60-day supply of oral nutritional supplements (ONS; Ensure or Glucerna, Abbott, USA), and received nutrition and exercise counseling. RESULTS: Of 618 patients, 69.4% were female, with mean age of 74.1 (±8.7), and 2.6 (±1.5) comorbid conditions. 565 patients completed the functional performance and strength assessment pre and post QIP. Over 90 days, 61% of males and 54% of females improved their functional performance and strength. Patients 70 years old and younger were more likely to improve handgrip strength (OR = 2.7, p < 0.000). Patients that presented with low levels of grip strength at baseline also had a higher probability of improvement (OR = 2.4, p < 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive, nutrition-focused QIP for at-risk or malnourished outpatient older adults resulted in improved functional performance and strength among the QIP population. Results highlight the importance of nutrition care to alleviate the clinical burden of malnutrition by preventing the decline of functional performance and strength and promoting healthy aging. FUNDING SOURCES: Study was financially supported by Abbott Nutrition.