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World J Meta-Anal. Mar 18, 2026; 14(1): 114237
Published online Mar 18, 2026. doi: 10.13105/wjma.v14.i1.114237
Published online Mar 18, 2026. doi: 10.13105/wjma.v14.i1.114237
Impact of post-discharge nutritional interventions on hospital readmissions: A systematic review
Donovan Lim, Amir Chwa, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
Kay Choong See, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore 119228, Singapore
Author contributions: Lim D curated the data; Lim D and Chwa A drafted the first version of this manuscript; Chwa A led the interpretation and discussion of the results; Lim D, Chwa A, and See KC conceptualised and designed the research; All authors reviewed and edited the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
PRISMA 2009 Checklist statement: The authors have read the PRISMA 2009 Checklist, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the PRISMA 2009 Checklist.
Corresponding author: Donovan Lim, MS, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National Uni
Received: September 15, 2025
Revised: October 8, 2025
Accepted: December 22, 2025
Published online: March 18, 2026
Processing time: 177 Days and 3 Hours
Revised: October 8, 2025
Accepted: December 22, 2025
Published online: March 18, 2026
Processing time: 177 Days and 3 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Unplanned hospital readmissions are costly and often preventable. This systematic review synthesised 13 trials assessing nutritional interventions delivered after discharge, including dietary counselling, oral nutritional supplements, and structured follow-up. Results were mixed. Comprehensive and sustained strategies, especially those involving dietitians and caregiver support, were most effective at reducing readmissions in older adults. Even when readmission was unaffected, improvements in nutritional status, quality of life, and physical function were noted. Integrating dietitians into discharge planning may represent a cost-effective strategy to reduce unplanned hospital readmissions and improve patient outcomes.