Malnutrition Screening Tools

Malnutrition screening tools are essential for identifying individuals at risk of malnutrition in various healthcare settings. These tools help healthcare providers assess nutritional status quickly and effectively, guiding timely interventions to improve patient outcomes.

1. Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST)

   • Designed for quick screening in clinical settings to identify patients at risk of malnutrition.
   • Consists of two simple questions regarding recent weight loss and appetite changes.
   • Easy to administer and requires minimal training for healthcare providers.

2. Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA)

   • Comprehensive tool that assesses nutritional status in older adults.
   • Includes a series of questions about dietary intake, weight loss, mobility, and psychological stress.
   • Provides a score that categorizes individuals as well-nourished, at risk of malnutrition, or malnourished.

3. Subjective Global Assessment (SGA)

   • A clinical assessment tool that evaluates nutritional status based on medical history and physical examination.
   • Considers factors such as weight change, dietary intake, gastrointestinal symptoms, and functional capacity.
   • Widely used in various healthcare settings for its reliability and validity.

4. Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002)

   • A screening tool specifically designed for hospitalized patients to identify those at nutritional risk.
   • Incorporates both disease severity and nutritional status into its assessment.
   • Aims to guide healthcare professionals in implementing timely nutritional interventions.

5. Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)

   • A tool that assesses malnutrition risk in adults using BMI, weight loss, and acute disease effect.
   • Provides a clear algorithm for determining the level of risk and necessary actions.
   • Widely adopted in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and community care.

6. Short Nutritional Assessment Questionnaire (SNAQ)

   • A brief screening tool that focuses on weight loss and appetite to identify malnutrition risk.
   • Designed for use in outpatient settings and can be completed quickly by patients.
   • Helps healthcare providers initiate discussions about nutritional needs and interventions.

7. Nutritional Risk Index (NRI)

   • A scoring system that evaluates nutritional risk based on serum albumin levels and weight loss.
   • Primarily used in hospitalized patients to predict outcomes related to malnutrition.
   • Aids in identifying patients who may benefit from nutritional support.

8. Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA)

   • An assessment tool that incorporates patient input to evaluate nutritional status and needs.
   • Combines clinical and subjective data, including weight history, dietary intake, and symptoms.
   • Particularly useful in oncology and palliative care settings for personalized nutrition planning.