What is the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF)?
The Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) is a six-item screening tool primarily used for older adults to identify those at risk of or suffering from malnutrition. Developed as a faster alternative to the 18-item MNA®, it takes less than five minutes to complete. The MNA-SF is valuable in clinical practice across various settings, including hospitals, long-term care, and community living.
The MNA-SF evaluates nutritional status using indicators such as changes in appetite, recent weight loss, mobility, and neuropsychological problems. It also includes an anthropometric measure, usually body mass index (BMI) or calf circumference if BMI is unavailable. The results of the MNA-SF are well-correlated with the full MNA, making it a reliable screening tool.
How the MNA-SF is scored and interpreted
The MNA-SF uses a scoring system based on its six questions, with a maximum score of 14 points. This score helps healthcare providers categorize a patient's nutritional status:
- Normal Nutritional Status: A score of 12-14 points.
- At Risk of Malnutrition: A score of 8-11 points, suggesting the need for monitoring and intervention.
- Malnourished: A score of 0-7 points, indicating the need for immediate nutritional intervention and a detailed assessment.
The MNA-SF's speed aids in early identification and intervention, improving outcomes for at-risk individuals. Patients identified as at risk or malnourished by the MNA-SF typically require further clinical assessment and a personalized nutritional plan.
Importance of the MNA-SF in geriatric care
Malnutrition in older adults is linked to negative health outcomes such as longer hospital stays, increased morbidity and mortality, a higher risk of falls, and reduced quality of life. The MNA-SF helps address this by enabling early detection. It is also used in assessing frailty, a common condition in older adults often linked to poor nutrition. Its efficiency makes it practical for regular use in various clinical settings as part of comprehensive geriatric care.
Key benefits of using the MNA-SF include:
- Improved patient outcomes: Early intervention helps prevent health decline.
- Reduced healthcare costs: Addressing malnutrition can lower hospitalization costs.
- Enhanced clinical decision-making: Results provide data to guide nutritional support and care plans.
- Increased patient quality of life: Addressing nutritional needs improves well-being and function.
Comparison of MNA-SF and Other Screening Tools
| Feature | Mini Nutritional Assessment–Short Form (MNA-SF) | Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST) | Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Population | Primarily older adults (65+) in all settings | Hospitalized adults | Hospitalized patients |
| Number of Questions | 6 | 2 | 4 initial items; full assessment follows |
| Time to Complete | Less than 5 minutes | Quick | Longer, two-step process |
| Key Indicators | Appetite, weight loss, mobility, stress, neuropsychological issues, BMI or calf circumference | Decreased intake, unintentional weight loss | BMI, weight loss, decreased intake, severity of illness |
| Scoring | 0–14 points; higher values indicate better nutritional status | 0–5 points; score ≥2 indicates risk | 0–7+ points; score ≥3 indicates risk |
| Clinical Focus | Comprehensive geriatric assessment, including frailty | Primarily for hospitalized adults to identify malnutrition risk | Risk of malnutrition in the hospital setting |
| Validity | Well-validated in international studies and correlates with the full MNA | Valid and reliable for hospitalized adults | Recommended for use in hospitalized patients by ESPEN |
The MNA-SF in clinical practice
The MNA-SF is recommended for consistent nutritional assessment in various healthcare settings. Its six questions help clinicians gather crucial information about a patient’s health and diet. The tool provides guidance for healthcare professionals to ensure accurate scoring. Regular rescreening, such as annually for community-dwelling elderly and every three months for institutionalized patients, is advised to track nutritional status changes. Results inform the development of targeted nutritional intervention plans, including dietary counseling or supplementation.
Conclusion
The short form for the Mini Nutritional Assessment, the MNA-SF, is a valuable, fast, and effective tool for screening older adults for malnutrition risk. Its six questions make it easy to use in various clinical settings. By identifying nutritional deficiencies early, the MNA-SF supports timely interventions, improving patient outcomes and quality of life for the elderly. Its validity and reliability establish it as the preferred clinical version of the MNA for routine use.
Optional authoritative link: Development and Validation of the MNA® screening tool
