Management of malnutrition in adults

Consider nutrition support for adults who are malnourished (see Definition and diagnosis of malnutrition in adults) or who are at risk of malnutrition (see Tools to identify adults at risk of malnutrition)Elia, 2009.National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE), 2006.

Management depends on the degree of malnutrition and may require oral, enteral or parenteral nutrition support. Patients with malnutrition that require nutrition support should be referred to an accredited practising dietitian for assessment and to optimise management. Record the patient’s nutrition status and level of risk, agree to goals of nutrition support with the patient and/or carer, and monitor the for the impact of the intervention. Consider whether the patient is at risk of refeeding syndrome.