Nutritional screening tools and anthropometric measures associate with hospital discharge outcomes in older people

Aim To examine the association of nutritional screening tools ( NSTs ) and anthropometric measures with hospital outcomes in older people. Methods I n 172 patients aged ≥70 years admitted to a G eriatric E valuation Management Unit ( GEMU ), nutritional status was measured using the Mini‐Nutritional Assessment ( MNA ), MNA ‐short form ( MNA‐SF ), G eriatric Nutritional Risk Index ( GNRI ), Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire, calf circumference ( CC ), mid‐arm circumference ( MAC ) and BMI . Results Malnutrition according to the MNA occurred in 53 (31%) patients. Functional change was associated with GNRI (Beta coefficient (β), 95% CI   = 0.17, 0.001–0.33) and CC (β, 95% CI   = 0.17, 0.01–0.33); GEMU length of stay was associated with MNA‐SF ‐ BMI (β, 95% CI   = −0.02, −0.003 to −0.004) and MNA‐SF ‐ CC (β, 95% CI   = −0.02, −0.003 to −0.001). MAC was associated with discharge to higher level of care ( OR , 95% CI   = 0.88, 0.81–0.96). Conclusion I n hospitalised older people, admission NSTs and anthropometric measures associate with discharge outcomes.