Compliance with Nutritional Assessment Guidelines and Its Impact in Older Adults with Neck of Femur Fractures: A Re-Audit at Medway maritime hospital

Abstract title - Compliance with Nutritional Assessment Guidelines and Its Impact in Older Adults with Neck of Femur Fractures: A Re-Audit at Med

Abstract Author Name - R Nahar1; V Debnath1; F Jamil2; S Kumar3; A Khattak4; M Shoaib5

Abstract Provenance - 1. Dept of Elderly Care, Medway Maritime Hospital; 2. Dept of Elderly Care, Medway Maritime Hospital; 3. Dept of Elderly Care, Medway Maritime Hospital; 4. Dept of Elderly Care, Medway Maritime Hospital; 5. Dept of Elderly Care, Medway Maritime Hospital; 6. Dept of Elderly Care, Medway Maritime Hospital;
 

Abstract Content -

Title- Compliance with Nutritional Assessment Guidelines and Its Impact in Older Adults with Neck of Femur Fractures: A Re-Audit at Medway Maritime Hospital

Introduction:
Sarcopenia, the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, is common among elderly patients with neck of femur (NOF) fractures. Given its close association with malnutrition and frailty, timely nutritional assessment using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) is essential. Despite existing guidelines recommending early assessment and management, adherence remains inconsistent. This re-audit aimed to examine compliance with sarcopenia management guidelines and evaluate their effect on clinical outcomes.

Method:
Patients aged over 65 admitted with NOF fractures between 01/04/24 and 31/07/24 were included. Medical records were reviewed to check whether MUST scores were completed within 24 hours of admission and whether appropriate interventions were implemented based on the score. Data on Clinical Frailty Scores (CFS) and time to reach medically fit status were also collected. In cases where MUST scores were missing, they were calculated retrospectively to avoid impacting clinical care.

Results:
Of the 65 patients reviewed, 97% had a documented MUST score within 24 hours—a significant improvement compared to the previous audit. However, only 19% received care aligned with the recommended nutritional interventions. Analysis showed that patients with higher MUST scores generally experienced longer hospital stays and greater frailty, indicating a clinical link between nutritional status and recovery trajectory.

Conclusion:
Although initial nutritional screening improved, follow-through with appropriate treatment was notably lacking. The strong correlation between MUST scores, frailty, and time to recovery underscores the importance of not only completing the screening but also acting upon it. Reinforcement of staff training and introduction of supportive tools (e.g., weighing beds) could enhance guideline adherence. A future re-audit will help determine the impact of these changes on patient outcomes.