Observational analysis shows RDNs improve postdischarge outcomes in malnutrition cases, indicating a need for community resources.
Malnutrition is prevalent among hospitalized patients and is associated with increased complications and longer lengths of stay. Unfortunately, malnutrition also can worsen health outcomes postdischarge by contributing to poor wound healing, falls, and higher rates of hospital readmission. Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) play a pivotal role in treating malnutrition by advocating for postdischarge care, developing programs that support patients with malnutrition in the home, and providing medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to ensure adequate nutrition postdischarge. Community outreach and home-based programs allow RDNs the opportunity to provide postdischarge care for individuals diagnosed with or at risk of malnutrition. By providing in-home or virtual support, RDNs can help align postdischarge nutrition plans with patients' functional and financial needs and connect them to community resources. However, implementing these services presents financial and operational challenges that decision-makers must navigate. Despite these challenges, several organizations have begun leading the way in expanding access to postdischarge nutrition care to improve patient outcomes.
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Lago et al. (2025) studied this question.
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