Nutrition identified as a risk factor for elderly Medicare patients' hospital readmission

A retrospective chart review of Medicare patients was conducted to investigate possible variables which might contribute to rehospitalization of the patient within 15 days of prior discharge. If variables could be identified it might be possible to prevent the readmission through proactive measures. The findings revealed that variables reoccurred as the charts were reviewed and out of those several were nutrition-related. Further studies must be conducted to determine if nutrition and appropriate nutrition care is included in discharge planning.