More than 48 million people in the U.S. undergo surgery each year, and for decades the focus has been on making sure patients do not consume any food or drinks in the hours leading up to the surgery. Yet, 1 in 3 patients are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition when they’re admitted to the hospital, and many are unaware of it. New research from Advocate Health Care and supported by Abbott shows that this lack of nutrition could have major health implications on patients’ surgical outcomes. As part of a real-world evidence study, Advocate Health Care implemented a nutrition care program at four of its Chicago area hospitals to help ensure their patients are nourished during their hospital stay and post-discharge.

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