title: Early recognition of malnutrition in the older adult: a quality improvement project using a standardized nutritional tool.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this project was to identify the nutritional status of older adults in a primary care setting by using a standardized nutritional tool and to improve clinical outcomes by implementing appropriate interventions.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective chart review of 50 records was conducted prior to any intervention to document what was being done before the use of a standardized nutritional tool. Clinic staff was instructed on the Mini Nutritional Assessment tool. After implementing the tool, a chart review was conducted on 25 participants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Prior to implementing the tool, data showed that 42% of the patients' charts recorded a body mass index and there was no documentation of any nutritional concerns. After the implementation of the standardized tool, data showed 40% of the older adult patients had normal nutritional status, 56% were at risk, and 4% were malnourished. Furthermore, 100% of records continued to show no documentation of any nutritional interventions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Data suggest that many older adult patients are at risk or have malnourishment that is unrecognized. Documentation of nutritional interventions needs to be evaluated and recorded.
authors: a WellMed @Esplanade , Corpus Christi , Texas.
authors: Margaret
authors: M
authors: Wadas-Enright
authors: Anita
authors: A
authors: King
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004282:Documentation; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D044342:Malnutrition / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000592:standards*; D015596:Nutrition Assessment; D009752:Nutritional Status; D011320:Primary Health Care; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity