MedPass Nutrition Supplement Program - Pilot Project Problématique et contexte Elderly are at increased risk of malnutrition, due to cognitive impairment, depression, social isolation, polypharmacy, multiple comorbidities, etc. This partly explains why it is estimated that 35% to 85% of long-term care residents are malnourished (Doll-Shankaruk et al., 2008). Malnutrition affects the function of every organ system, and its multiple consequences include depression, reduced muscle and bone mass, impaired gut integrity and immunity, and impaired wound healing (Saunders et al., 2010). The issue of malnutrition should be urgently addressed since statistically, in the year 2031, Quebec' population of 65 years and over would experience an 80% increase (ISQ, 2009). Traditional oral nutrition supplementation has been associated increased non-consumption of supplements and therefore suboptimal impact on nutrition management. Therefore, the MedPass project is a new patient-centered approach to prevent malnutrition and the consequences of malnutrition in elderly. Méthodologie The MedPass pilot project takes place at Henri-Bradet long-term care residence, during the winter and summer of 2014, for a total of 12 weeks. Based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19 participants were recruited for maintenances or restoration of adequate nutritional status. The implementation of the MedPass project will involve distribution of 60 ml of a high-energy, high-protein nutritional supplement (Resource 2.0), 4 times per day, with the medication rounds. The effectiveness of this pilot project will be assessed by before and after changes in MNA scores (Mini Nutritional Assessment), results of calorie- and protein count, daily supplement consumption and monthly weight change. Résultats It is hypothesized that the MedPass pilot project will maintain or restore adequate nutritional status of elderly residents at risk of malnutrition or malnourished. No final results were demonstrated yet. Discussion/conclusion Evidence from previous implementation and evaluation of the MedPass program, has shown that it is a cost effective way to manage malnutrition. Indeed, it was associated with 95% consumption of Resource 2.0, and improved patients’ intake, nutrition status and weight gain (Jukkola et al., 2005). Moreover, it was associated with decreased supplement waste, compared with the traditional oral nutrition supplementation method. This pilot project will allow us to hopefully show similar positive results on malnutrition management at Henri-Bradet. 1 Bibliographie Doll-Shankaruk, M., Yau, W., & Oelke, C. (2008). Medication Pass Nutritional Supplement Program in a Long-Term Care Facility. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 24 (5), 45-51. Saunders, J., Smith, T., & Stroud, M. (2010) Malnutrition and Undernutrition. Undernutrition and Clinical Nutrition, 39 (1), 45-50. Gouvernement du Québec (2013). L'Autonomie pour Tous: Livre Blanc sur la Création d'une Assurance Autonomie. Québec: Publications du Québec. Jukkola, K., & MacLennan, P. (2005). Innovations in Aged Care: Improving the efficacy of nutritional supplementation in the hospitalised elderly. Australasian Journal on Ageing, 24 (2), 119-124. 2