Medical and Health Economic Benefit of Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) in Ambulant Patients

Medical and Health Economic Benefit of Oral Nutritional Supplements (ONS) in Ambulant Patients

The aim of this study is to assess the benefit of a 3-month intervention with oral nutritional supplements (ONS) in older ambulant patients with reference to functional limitations and quality of life as well as the consumption of health care resources.

Study participants are assessed upon discharge from the hospital and again after 3 months. Upon discharge all patients receive nutrition counselling with special focus on an energy rich diet. Additionally, the intervention group receives ONS. The investigators hypothesize an improvement in functional limitations and health economic benefits due to the post-hospital nutritional intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 60 years
• Informed written consent
• Independent community dwelling after discharge
• Existing or risk of malnutrition
• Normal cognitive status according to Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE ≥ 24 points)
• Life expectancy of > 3 months according to treating doctor
• No severe heart disease (New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification of 3+), liver disease (Child Pugh Score = A, B) or kidney insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate < 30 ml/min)
• No chemo or radiation therapy
• No derailed diabetes mellitus or metabolic decompensation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 60 years
• Lack of informed written consent
• Dependent living conditions after discharge
• No risk of malnutrition
• Low cognitive status according to Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE < 24 points)
• Life expectancy of < 3 months according to treating doctor
• Severe heart disease (New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification of 3+), liver disease (Child Pugh Score = C) or kidney insufficiency (glomerular filtration rate < 30 ml/min)
• Chemo or radiation therapy
• Derailed diabetes mellitus or metabolic decompensation