J Am Diet Assoc
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This study was conducted to determine the relationship, if any, between nutritional status, length of stay (LOS) in hospital, discharge placement, readmission rates, and hospital costs and charges in patients hospitalized in the medicine service. ⋯ Patients at risk for malnutrition had significantly higher LOS, costs, and home health care needs, despite the fact that 51, or 91%, received nutrition intervention while hospitalized. Further research should explore the use of nutrition screening and intervention before, during, and after hospitalization to ensure that appropriate nutrition intervention, as indicated by medical patients' clinical condition and nutritional risk status, is initiated and continued.