Focused Nutrition Reduces Healthcare Costs, Improves Patient Outcomes

NEW YORK, March 7, 2014 - The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science at the New York Academy of Sciences and Abbott Nutrition Health Institute will bring together researchers clinicians, policy makers, and economists to discuss recent evidence that optimal nutrition plays a key role in short- and long-term clinical status and economic results. The conference, "Clinical and Economic Outcomes of Nutrition Interventions Across the Continuum of Care," will be held Thursday, March 13, 2014, in Washington, D.C.

Research to date demonstrates that nutrition interventions have the potential to contribute to cost-effective preventive care and treatment measures. Emerging research is seeking to quantify the economic impact of these treatments.

"There is excellent basic and clinical research being conducted on the impact of nutrition across the continuum of care, but it is essential to combine this research with discussions surrounding health economics and policy so that the research is translated into practice," says Mandana Arabi, MD, PhD, executive director of The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science. "We are dedicated to providing a forum for conversations on the latest evidence with the aim that everyone - health systems, clinicians, and, most importantly, patients - can ultimately reap the benefits of sound science."

Conference speakers hailing from academia, health systems, industry, and government, will address emerging research on nutrition health economics, the role of nutrition interventions across the continuum of care, and how nutrition can affect healthcare costs. 

The keynote address "The New Malnutrition: Challenges of Changing the Paradigm Globally" will be presented by Kelly Tappenden, PhD, RD, FASPEN, of the University of Illinois. Emerging research demonstrating how unidentified nutritional deficiencies before, during, and after hospitalization, which have been shown to directly affect patient outcomes, will follow.

Tomas Philipson, PhD, University of Chicago, will present research showing the impact of oral nutritional supplementation on hospital outcomes, namely a decrease in the length of stay and costs among hospitalized patients. Additionally, he will present data that shows that oral supplementation leads to a decreased probability of hospital readmissions for patients aged 65 and older - critical information for health systems facing updated Affordable Care Act penalties for readmission of Medicare patients.

"The challenge before us is activating these findings within the healthcare industry," noted Robert Miller, PhD, divisional vice president R&D, scientific and medical affairs, Abbott Nutrition. "Malnutrition is a global challenge, both in healthcare and out in the community, which can be solved by applying these findings and utilizing innovative nutrition products."

For the full conference agenda and a list of speakers, visit www.nyas.org/NutritionInterventions.

For press inquiries, including press registration and interview requests, please contact Diana Friedman at dfriedman@nyas.org or 212-298-8645.

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About the Abbott Nutrition Health Institute

The Abbott Nutrition Health Institute supports the science and innovation with Abbott Nutrition's research and development teams through the exchange of nutrition science ideas and insights across the globe. Learn more at www.anhi.org. For more than 85 years, Abbott Nutrition has been a leader in developing and marketing science-based nutrition products to support the growth, health and wellness of people of all ages. More information about Abbott Nutrition and its products is available at www.AbbottNutrition.com.

About Abbott

Abbott is a global healthcare company devoted to improving life through the development of products and technologies that span the breadth of healthcare. With a portfolio of leading, science-based offerings in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals, Abbott serves people in more than 150 countries and employs approximately 69,000 people. 

Visit Abbott at www.abbott.com and connect with us on Twitter at @AbbottNews 

About The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science

The New York Academy of Sciences, in partnership with The Mortimer D. Sackler Foundation, established The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science to create a coordinated effort to support and disseminate nutrition science research. The Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science is dedicated to advancing nutrition science research and knowledge, mobilizing communities and translating this work into the field. The Sackler Institute is generating a coordinated network across sectors, disciplines and geographies that promotes open communication; encourages exchange of information and resources; nurtures the next generation of scientists; and affects community intervention design and public policy changes. Visit us online at www.nyas.org/nutrition.

About the New York Academy of Sciences

The New York Academy of Sciences is an independent, not-for-profit organization that since 1817 has been committed to advancing science, technology and society worldwide. With 22,000 members around the world, the Academy is creating a global community of science for the benefit of humanity. The Academy's core mission is to advance scientific knowledge, positively impact the major global challenges of society with science-based solutions, and increase the number of scientifically informed individuals in society at large. Please visit us online at www.nyas.org.