A groundbreaking automated screening tool developed by researchers at Griffith and Monash Universities could significantly improve the health outcomes of elderly Australians in aged care facilities.
The Automated Malnutrition (AutoMal) screening tool aims to address the alarmingly high rates of malnutrition among aged care residents, estimated to affect 40-60% of the population.
Dr Marie-Claire O’Shea from Griffith University’s School of Health Sciences and Social Work explains the severity of the issue: “Malnutrition is a state resulting from inadequate intake or uptake of nutrition that leads to loss of fat stores or muscle mass, leading to diminished physical and mental function.”
Unlike existing screening methods that require extensive training and time-consuming data collection, AutoMal offers a streamlined approach. The tool diagnoses malnutrition by measuring BMI and weight change over six months, applying a formula to calculate the probability of malnutrition.
“We’ve designed AutoMal to be as intuitive as possible, requiring substantially fewer resources than existing screening methods,” Dr. O’Shea states. This efficiency could lead to more regular nutritional assessments and quicker interventions.
The potential impact of AutoMal extends beyond individual health improvements. By facilitating early detection and intervention, AutoMal may significantly improve the well-being of long-term care residents and set a new standard for nutritional care in aged care facilities.
Dr O’Shea notes, “Automated malnutrition screening would enable data to be reported regularly thereby increasing accountability, and promoting quick nutritional intervention.”
The research, published in The Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, represents a crucial step forward in addressing malnutrition among the elderly, with plans to expand testing to in-home care settings.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
