Position Paper From The Academy: Malnutrition Screening Tools For All Adults

Abstract:

In the April 2020 edition of the journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Academy states its position that, based upon current evidence, the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) should be used to screen adults for malnutrition (undernutrition) regardless of their age, medical history, or setting.

The Academy goes on to state that malnutrition (undernutrition) screening is a simple process intended to quickly recognize individuals who may have a malnutrition diagnosis. While numerous malnutrition screening tools are in use, their levels of validity, agreement, reliability, and generalizability vary. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reviewed the body of evidence supporting malnutrition screening tools and determined a single tool for identifying adults in all settings who may have malnutrition, regardless of their age or medical history. The Nutrition Screening for Adults Workgroup conducted a systematic review of the most robust evidence to promote using the highest-quality malnutrition screening tool available.