ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Nutritional supplements are prescribed to improve nutritional status, and reduce hospital stays in manourised hospital patients. Clinical benefits are dependant on compliance, the level of which remains unclear. AIMS: To assess compliance levels with oral nutritional supplementation and determine methods to improve compliance. METHODS: Compliance was observed over 10 days by measuring total supplements prescribed and weighing wastage remaining after use. Areas for improvement were identified and implemented for 6 months. Specifically, a distinct supplement administration round was established and those patients requiring assistance with supplement consumption were identified with signage above their beds. Compliance was re-assessed in a sub sample of patients. RESULTS: Thirty seven elderly patients (mean age 85 years; 57% female) prescribed nutritional supplements were studied. Mean compliance was significantly greater in males than females (85.7% vs 74%) and acute wards compared to longstay (89.5% vs. 74.2 Compliance with supplements was significantly greater following intervention (mean 74.2% vs. 93%, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Compliance with nutritional supplementation is variable among institutionalized geriatric patients. Timing of supplementation dispensation and improving staff vigilance can positively affect compliance.
