231 An evaluation of the dietetic service in a Geriatric Assessment Unit—nutritional status and outcomes

Abstract

Abstract Background In 2021 the Geriatric Assessment Unit (GAU) was established, a 0.5 WTE dietitian was appointed to the multidisciplinary team. The Comprehensive Older Age Assessment (COAA) developed by the MDT included two nutritional screening tools—Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) and the SARC-F questionnaire for sarcopenia. A MUST score of ≥2 and a SARC-F score of ≥4 were automatic dietetic referrals, referrals were also sent if a clinical concern was identified by the MDT. The aim of this review is to investigate the dietetic referral rates, nutritional status and compile a summary clinical outcomes. Methods A review of the dietetic excel database for the GAU, 2021 and 2022 was completed. The review included statistics on: (1) Referral rate, (2) Total number of dietetic interventions and a breakdown of new versus review patients, (3) MUST and SARRC- F score, (4) Body Mass Index (BMI) & weight status and (5) Review of the dietetic outcome following intervention e.g. follow up versus discharge rate and weight status at review appointments. Results The data for 2021 and 2022 were combined—77.5% of patients attending the GAU were referred to the dietitian, 80% of patients referred attended a one to one consultation. 55% of all dietetic interventions were for new patients and 45% review patients. Average BMI was 25.5 kg/m2 and 27.7 kg/m2 in 2021 and 2022 respectively. 13% had a MUST score of ≥2. 49.8% had a SCAR –F score ≥ 4. 41% of patients had reported or documented weight loss. 70% required dietetic review. At dietetic review 39.5% had desirable weight gain, 39.5% were weight stable, with only 16% having an undesirable weight loss. Conclusion The requirements and benefits of a dietetic service can be seen in the high referral rate, documented concerns of weight loss and percentage of patients with a SARC-F score ≥ 4, leading to patient specific dietetic intervention, with a stable or improved weight status at dietetic review.