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Updated: Apr 17, 2026
Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Early recognition of malnutrition in the older adult: a quality improvement project using a standardized nutritional
Margaret Wadas-Enright1, Anita King
1a WellMed @Esplanade , Corpus Christi , Texas.
Purpose:
The purpose of this project was to identify the nutritional status of older adults in a primary care setting by using a standardized nutritional tool and to improve clinical outcomes by implementing appropriate interventions.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review of 50 records was conducted prior to any intervention to document what was being done before the use of a standardized nutritional tool. Clinic staff was instructed on the Mini Nutritional Assessment tool. After implementing the tool, a chart review was conducted on 25 participants.
Results:
Prior to implementing the tool, data showed that 42% of the patients' charts recorded a body mass index and there was no documentation of any nutritional concerns. After the implementation of the standardized tool, data showed 40% of the older adult patients had normal nutritional status, 56% were at risk, and 4% were malnourished. Furthermore, 100% of records continued to show no documentation of any nutritional interventions.
Conclusion:
Data suggest that many older adult patients are at risk or have malnourishment that is unrecognized. Documentation of nutritional interventions needs to be evaluated and recorded.
