Background: This study aimed to assess adherence to oral nutrition supplements (ONS) among hospital outpatients and to assess patient characteristics, experiences of ONS, and the characteristics of ONS prescriptions in clinical practice.
Methods: Hospital outpatients aged ≥18 years and prescribed ONS by a dietitian at a Swedish hospital were referred to the study from September 2016 to February 2017. Data were collected from structured telephone interviews, medical records, and a register of ONS delivered. Adherence to ONS was measured by dividing self-reported intake of ONS (frequency question and 24-hour recall question) by the amount prescribed and using the medication possession ratio (MPR).
Results: Of the 96 patients included (mean age 67 ± 13 years), 52% were male. The 2 most frequent medical diagnoses were malignancy and digestive system disease. Mean adherence to ONS was 93% measured by the frequency question, 87% measured by the 24-hour recall question, and 76% according to MPR. The majority of the patients (83%) were prescribed 1-3 bottles of ONS/day. The average number of flavors of ONS delivered was 4.2. Before prescription, 69% of the patients had been allowed to taste the ONS and 92% had chosen the flavors to be prescribed. Over 75% liked the taste of the ONS and considered them to be good for their health.
Conclusions: Adherence to ONS was high in this population, which might be explained by the individual tailoring of ONS prescriptions by a dietitian, positive experiences of ONS, and the relatively young mean age of the participants.
Keywords: malnutrition; medical nutrition therapy; oral nutrition supplements; patient compliance; treatment adherence and compliance.
© 2019 The Authors. Nutrition in Clinical Practice published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.