Nutritional screening tools and anthropometric measures associate with hospital discharge outcomes in older people. (21st January 2014) - Dent, Elsa
Abstract Aim To examine the association of nutritional screening tools (NSTs) and anthropometric measures with hospital outcomes in older people. Methods In 172 patients aged ≥70 years admitted to a Geriatric Evaluation Management Unit (GEMU), nutritional status was measured using the Mini‐Nutritional Assessment (MNA), MNA‐short form (MNA‐SF), Geriatric 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 In hospitalised older people, admission NSTs and anthropometric measures associate with discharge outcomes.