Report of a nutritional screening audit

Abstract

Background: Malnutrition in hospitals has been widely documented and nutritional screening forms part of the National Professional Standards for Dietitians. As a result of this concern, a nutrition screening tool has been incorporated into the nursing care plan documentation. Aims: To audit the use of the screening tool in nursing care plans for elderly patients and examine the communication methods concerning the need for individual nutritional care. Methods: A standard chart was used to audit patient notes. In addition, a short informal interview was conducted with nursing staff. Results: Use of the screening tool was variable and fewer than half of those identified by this tool as in need of nutritional care were referred to the dietitian. Conclusion: Ward staff are prioritizing patients referred for dietetic care, even when they have been identified by the screening tool, but this is not always done systematically. Improvements could be made in the relevant documentation. Further training of ward staff and a follow-up audit should be undertaken.