Interrelationships between Dietary Outcomes, Readmission Rates and Length of Stay in Hospitalised Oncology Patients: A Scoping Review

Background: Poor food intake is an independent risk factor for malnutrition in oncology patients, and achieving adequate nutrition is essential for optimal clinical and health outcomes. This review investigated the interrelationships between dietary intakes, hospital readmissions and length of stay in hospitalised adult oncology patients. Methodology: Three databases, MEDLINE, Web of Science and PubMed were searched for relevant publications from January 2000 to the end of August 2022. Results: Eleven studies investigating the effects of dietary intakes on length of stay (LOS) and hospital readmissions in cohorts of hospitalised patients that included oncology patients were identified. Heterogenous study design, nutritional interventions and study populations limited comparisons; however, a meta-analysis of two randomised controlled trials comparing dietary interventions in mixed patient cohorts including oncology patients showed no effect on LOS: mean difference −0.08 (95% confidence interval −0.64–0.49) days (p = 0.79). Conclusions: Despite research showing the benefits of nutritional intake during hospitalisation, evidence is emerging that the relationship between intakes, LOS and hospital readmissions may be confounded by nutritional status and cancer diagnosis.