Category: Clinical tools

Over 40% of elderly patients may be at risk of malnutrition upon hospital admission, a significant health concern that can negatively impact patient outcomes. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) was specifically designed to address this by providing a reliable method for evaluating nutritional status in older adults.

According to studies, between 50% and 80% of hospitalized older adults are at risk of malnutrition or are already malnourished. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) is a validated screening tool used to determine the MNA score for malnutrition, helping healthcare professionals identify at-risk individuals aged 65 and older.

According to the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN), malnutrition affects millions of adults in the UK alone. When healthcare professionals discuss the "security" of the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST), they are not referring to data encryption or firewalls, but rather to its clinical reliability and the integrity of its application for accurate patient outcomes. This article explores how to ensure the MUST tool is applied securely, focusing on its validated design and proper usage.

Research has shown that malnutrition is prevalent in both hospital and community settings, yet it often remains unrecognised and untreated. The Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) is so important because it provides a validated and systematic five-step method for healthcare professionals to assess this critical risk in adults.

The prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, affects up to 40% of people over the age of 65 and is frequently underdiagnosed. The Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10) was developed as a quick, self-administered screening tool to help identify individuals who may have swallowing problems and are at risk for nutritional complications. This simple tool can flag potential issues, prompting further medical evaluation to ensure patient safety and proper nutrition.

Research indicates that malnutrition and chronic inflammation are significant predictors of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease and those on dialysis. The Malnutrition-Inflammation Score (MIS) tool was developed to quantitatively assess these intertwined conditions and predict patient outcomes.