Epworth malnutrition prevalence and weight monitoring practices audit- a 5 year review.

Abstract

Malnutrition is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, an increased length of stay, increased treatment costs and financial shortfalls for the organisation. Hence, timely malnutrition screening and the provision of appropriate dietetic intervention is vital to optimise patient outcomes and minimise treatment costs.This audit aims to assess compliance with the Weighing the Patient Procedure and both adherence and accuracy of Malnutrition Screening as outlined in the Nutrition Protocol at all adherence and accuracy of Malnutrition Screening as outlined in the Nutrition Protocol at all Epworth locations, as well as quantify the prevalence of malnutrition risk and incidence. Facilitation of benchmarking is another aim. Results of the audit found screening levels either at or below the 2017 levels and well below the national compliance target. A number of group wide recommendations for improvement are provided.