Related Experiment Videos
Risk of malnutrition in a sample of acute and long-stay NHS Fife in-patients: an audit
C H S Ruxton1, J Gordon, L Kirkwood
1Nutrition Communications, Front Lebanon, Cupar, UK. carrie@nutrition-communications.com
Insights
Hospital malnutrition risk was lower than expected in NHS Fife, but improving food and fluid provision remains crucial for all patients, regardless of BMI.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Nutrition
- Hospital Quality Improvement
- Public Health
Background:
- Hospital malnutrition (undernutrition) is a significant concern.
- New food and fluid standards in Scotland prompted an audit in NHS Fife.
- This study provides baseline data for evaluating progress in hospital nutrition practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To audit current nutritional practices in NHS Fife hospitals.
- To establish baseline data for future evaluations.
- To assess the prevalence of malnutrition and related factors.
Main Methods:
- 150 high-risk inpatients were recruited.
- Data collected included patient records, anthropometry (weight, BMI, MUAC), and dietetic referrals.
- Malnutrition risk was assessed using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) standards.
Main Results:
- Minimum malnutrition risk ranged from 14% to 25% based on the standard used.
- Obesity was prevalent, with 42% of patients having a BMI > 25.
- Most malnourished patients received dietetic referral or nutritional support.
Conclusions:
- Fewer patients than anticipated were at risk of malnutrition.
- Improving food and fluid provision is a priority in Fife.
- Nutritional issues can affect patients across the entire BMI spectrum.
Background:
Hospital malnutrition (undernutrition) continues to attract concern. The implementation of standards for food and fluids in Scotland provided the stimulus for an audit of current practices in NHS Fife hospitals in order to provide baseline data with which to evaluate progress.
Methods:
One hundred and fifty in-patients were recruited from wards likely to yield those with a high risk of malnutrition. Using patient records and anthropometry, data were collected on weight, weight change, body mass index (BMI), mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC), dietetic referral, therapeutic diets and patients' perceptions of nutritional status. Malnutrition was estimated by comparing BMI, weight change and MUAC with the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and standards published by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN).
Results:
Depending upon the standard used, the minimum risk of malnutrition varied from 14 to 25%. The prevalence was lower than that reported previously, although methods were not directly comparable. Obesity was also evident with 42% of patients having a BMI > 25. Mean weight change from admission to audit was +0.4 kg, with a wide range (-11 kg to +13 kg). Most patients identified as malnourished were referred to the dietitian or given nutritional support.
Conclusions:
Fewer patients were at risk of malnutrition than expected. However, improving the provision of food and fluids remains a priority in Fife as malnutrition and eating problems can occur across the entire BMI spectrum.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Documentation in Long-Term and Home Healthcare Setting
Long-Term Care Facilities
01:11Purpose of Health Records I
Here's a breakdown of how health records serve these purposes:
01:30Development of Human Microbiota