P559 - RESULTS OF THE THREE-YEAR NUTRITIONDAY IN THE REHABILITATION SETTING

P559

RESULTS OF THE THREE-YEAR NUTRITIONDAY IN THE REHABILITATION SETTING

E. Peklaj^1,*, M. Vošner¹, K. Grašič Lunar¹, N. Majdič^1,2

¹University Rehabilitation Institute Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana, ²Orthopedic Hospital Valdoltra, Ankaran, Slovenia

Rationale: Malnutrition is a significant nutritional disorder and an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes in rehabilitation, such as higher complication rates, prolonged hospitalization, slower recovery, and greater mortality. This study aimed to determine the three-year prevalence of malnutrition at the University Rehabilitation Institute Republic of Slovenia - Soča (URI Soča) using prospective data from the NutritionDay (nDay) initiative.

Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted as part of nDay, involved 311 hospitalized patients (78% of eligible; 33% female) at URI Soča on the designated nDay in November of 2022, 2023, and 2024. The data were collected using standardized online nDay questionnaires. Inclusion criteria were age >18 years, provision of written informed consent, and cognitive capacity for participation.

Results: The three-year prevalence of malnutrition at URI Soča was 39% (2022: 39%, 2023: 38%, and 2024: 41%). Oral supplements (35%), enteral feeding (0.3%), and parenteral nutrition (0.9%) were used to provide nutritional support. The Department of Rehabilitation of Patients with Spinal Lesions had malnutrition rate (67%), with 64% receiving oral supplements and 1% parenteral nutrition. The Department for Rehabilitation of Patients after Injuries, Peripheral Nervous Disorders, and Rheumatoid Diseases reported a 78% malnutrition rate, with 68% receiving oral supplements and 3% parenteral nutrition.

Conclusion: This study indicates a high prevalence of malnutrition at URI Soča, highlighting the importance of the nutritional support team and routine nutritional assessments by a clinical dietitian. Individualized optimal nutritional strategies are essential for improving rehabilitation outcomes in this patient population.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared