Medically Tailored Meals Enhance Nutrition and Lower Readmission Rates in Heart Failure Patients

A recent study published in BMC Nutrition highlights the beneficial impact of providing medically tailored meals (MTMs) to patients recovering from heart failure (HF) who are at risk of malnutrition. Conducted by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, the research demonstrates that structured nutritional support can significantly improve patients' nutritional status and reduce hospital readmissions.

The study involved 46 discharged HF patients with malnutrition risk, who received either seven or 21 MTMs weekly over four weeks. Researchers assessed nutritional outcomes, adherence to American Heart Association (AHA) dietary guidelines, sarcopenia risk, and 30-day readmission rates through telephone surveys conducted at baseline, 30, and 60 days post-discharge.

Findings revealed that patients receiving at least seven MTMs per week experienced notable reductions in malnutrition and sarcopenia risk. Additionally, adherence to AHA dietary guidelines increased over time across all participants. Importantly, the 30-day hospital readmission rates were significantly below national averages, with only 9% of patients receiving 21 MTMs, and 12.5% receiving seven MTMs, being readmitted.

According to lead researcher Charlene Compher, even a modest intervention of seven meals per week can positively influence health outcomes in heart failure patients. She emphasized that such nutritional strategies not only improve recovery and diet compliance but also lower healthcare costs by preventing avoidable hospitalizations.

Overall, this research suggests that systematic provision of at least seven medically tailored meals immediately after hospital discharge is a promising approach to combat malnutrition, enhance diet adherence, and maintain low readmission rates among vulnerable heart failure patients. This intervention offers a cost-effective, practical solution for improving patient recovery and long-term health.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-medically-tailored-meals-nutrition-readmissions.html