MAJOR RECOMMENDATION ON

EVIDENCE-BASED NUTRITION
PRACTICE GUIDELINES

GROUP 2 10/10/2022
 Evidence based practice guidelines for the
nutritional management of malnutrition in
adult patients across the continuum of care
SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE-BASED RECOMMENDATIONS

The guideline recommendations have

been graded using the National
Health and Medical Research Council
(NHMRC) classifications for grades of
recommendation1, which are as
follows:
Level A: Body of evidence can be trusted to
guide practice.

Level B: Body of evidence can be trusted to

guide practice in most situations.

Level C: Body of evidence provides some

support for recommendation(s) but care should
be taken in its application.

Level D: Body of evidence is weak and

recommendation(s) must be applied with caution.
 1. Nutrition screening
What is the prevalence of malnutrition and is it a
problem?

Evidence-based recommendations:

The prevalence of malnutrition is high worldwide

(including in Australia) in all healthcare settings, yet is
largely under-recognised and under-diagnosed resulting
in a decline in nutritional status. Therefore, it is
recommended that healthcare professionals are
informed that malnutrition is associated with adverse
clinical outcomes and costs.

NHMRC Grade of recommendation: A

Should there be routine screening for malnutrition and if so
where and when should malnutrition screening occur?

Evidence-based recommendations:

Routine screening for malnutrition should occur in the

acute setting to improve the identification of malnutrition
risk and to allow for nutritional care planning.

NHMRC Grade of recommendation: B

2. Nutrition assessment

What nutrition assessment processes can be used to

diagnose malnutrition in adults?

Evidence-based recommendations

Use a valid nutrition assessment tool appropriate to

the population in which it is to be applied.

NHMRC Grade of recommendation: B

3. Nutrition goals, interventions and monitoring
In adults with malnutrition or at risk of malnutrition, what are the
appropriate nutrition goals, for optimal client, clinical and cost
outcomes?

Evidence-based recommendations

Aim to prevent decline/improve nutritional status and associated

outcomes in adults with malnutrition or at risk of malnutrition.

NHMRC Grade of recommendation: A

What are the appropriate interventions for prevention and
treatment of malnutrition in adults?

Evidence-based recommendations

Nutrition interventions can improve outcomes. Consideration

should be given to the healthcare setting, resources,
patient/client goals, requirements and preferences.

NHMRC Grade of recommendation: B–C

THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING!
GROUP 2