Meals Minimize Readmissions for Seniors with Food Insecurity

August 10, 2020

Lee Health uses Epic to identify at-risk patients and provide nutritional support, reducing likelihood of readmission by 30%

Malnutrition can contribute to negative health outcomes, such as prolonged length of stay, increased fall risk, and increased mortality. Lee Health in Florida supplements community resources with a clinical nutrition therapy program to support at-risk patients and reduce their likelihood of readmission by 30%.

When patients are in the hospital, registered dieticians complete a screening in Epic to determine whether they are at risk for malnutrition. If a patient is at risk, physicians are notified so they can enroll the patient in Lee Health’s nutrition program. Patients in the program receive 28 days of meals delivered to their home free of charge and can consult with a registered dietician on demand.

“Malnutrition is a key health indicator for older adults in Florida, so we began taking a proactive approach to addressing malnutrition in the elderly,” said Larry Altier, system director for food and nutrition services.

Lee Health is one of many Epic community members taking innovative approaches to addressing food insecurity. ProMedica reduced readmission rates by screening patients for hunger during every outpatient visit, and Hurley Medical Center created a food pharmacy for patients experiencing food insecurity.