Ferguson et al developed a malnutrition screening tool (MST) which can identify an adult who should undergo a nutritional status assessment. The authors are from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia.
Patient selection: adult
Parameters:
(1) unintended weight loss
(2) decreased eating secondary to poor appetite
|
Parameters |
Finding |
Points |
|
unintended weight loss |
none |
0 |
|
|
1 to 5 kilograms |
1 |
|
|
6 to 10 kilograms |
2 |
|
|
11 to 15 kilograms |
3 |
|
|
>= 16 kilograms |
4 |
|
|
unsure |
2 |
|
loss of appetite |
no |
0 |
|
|
yes |
1 |
total score =
= SUM(points for the 2 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 5
• The higher the score the greater the risk for malnutrition.
|
Total Score |
Risk of Malnutrition |
Recommendation |
|
0 or 1 |
low |
balanced diet; rescreen weekly or monthl |
|
2 |
moderate |
balanced diet; monitor intake and weight |
|
3 to 5 |
high |
high protein and energy diet; monitor intake and weight; refer to dietician if fails to improve |
Specialty: Nutrition
ICD-10: ,
