Utilizing predictive resident-focused problems to improve nutritional outcomes in nursing homes.

The purpose of this article is to describe nutritional problems that may be predictive of poor resident outcomes in nursing homes. In a recent study, seven resident-focused problems or categories that may affect malnutrition and/or food intake were identified (Crogan and Alvine, 2006; Crogan et al., 2007). Regression analysis found that three of seven resident-focused problems were predictive of low serum prealbumin levels, impaired functional status and improved quality of life.