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A nutritional screening tool for use by nurses in residential and nursing homes for elderly people: development and pilot study results
Author(s) -
Wright L.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of human nutrition and dietetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.951
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1365-277X
pISSN - 0952-3871
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-277x.1999.00186.x
Subject(s) - medicine , anthropometry , intervention (counseling) , nursing homes , nursing , body mass index , gerontology , pathology
Summary Background : Nutrition problems are associated with increased morbidity and mortality and poor quality of life in elderly patients. Development of a convenient and valid screening tool to identify those at risk is therefore important. Aim : The aim was to develop a quick and simple evaluation tool for use by nurses of the elderly population within nursing and residential homes in order to facilitate nutrition intervention. Methods : Two homes participated in this pilot study comparing the risk assessment by nurses using the tool developed with that obtained by dietitians using more detailed measures including a diet history and anthropometric measurements. Results : The results of the pilot study showed that further modifications needed to be made to the tool. However, there was general agreement between the Dietitian and Nurses of subjects at risk was. Conclusion : Further modifications need to be made to the tool. Staff training, especially in determination of body mass index is needed in order to implement the tool for widespread use in the nursing and residential homes.