Malnutrition Risk Screening and Dietitian Intervention within an Integrated Care Team for Older Persons

Background Malnutrition in older adults increases the risk of frailty. Nutritional interventions can improve frailty. A Senior Dietitian joined our Integrated Care for Older Persons Community Specialist Team (ICPOP-CST) in 2022. Our Complete Geriatric Assessment (CGA) form was redesigned in early 2023 which included the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST). We commenced measuring handgrip strength (HGS) in late 2023. We measured the prevalence of malnutrition risk among our patients, audited MST use and explored dietetic service provision. Methods Data from the first 101 patients with a completed (new) CGA form were obtained from the service’s electronic patient database. Patients with a MST score of 0 or 1 were considered to be at low risk of malnutrition and those with a MST score of 2 or more were considered to be at risk of malnutrition. Results The mean age was 84.8±5.3 years and 65% were female. Malnutrition risk was identified in 39 (38.6%) patients. The MST was completed for 96 (95%) patients and completed correctly in 67 (69.8%). The total score was not summed in 26 out of 29 incorrectly completed screening tools (89.7%). Half (51, 50.5%) of the group of older adults received dietetic assessment and intervention. High protein, high calorie advice was provided for 38 (74.5%) of those seen by the ICPOP dietitian and for 29 (93.5 %) of those at risk of malnutrition. Onward referral to primary care dietitians was made for 14 (27.5%) of those seen by the ICPOP dietitian. HGS measurement was performed in 20 patients - 15 (75.0%) were identified to have probable sarcopenia – 11 (73.3%) of these were at risk of malnutrition. All received dietetic intervention in relation to protein and sarcopenia. Conclusion Malnutrition risk and probable sarcopenia are common among older adults referred to our ICPOP-CST team. The MST screening tool is practical and identifies those requiring dietetic intervention.