S F Simmons1, E N Peterson, C You. 1. Division of General Internal Medicine and Public Health, Center for Quality Aging, School of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232-2400, USA. sandra.simmons@vanderbilt.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of weight loss is a quality indicator for nursing homes (NH), and monthly weight assessments are conducted by NH staff to determine weight loss. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted with 90 long-stay residents in four NHs for 12 study months. Monthly weight values documented in the medical record by NH staff were compared to independent weight values collected by research staff using a standardized protocol. Weight loss was defined according to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) criterion: >or= 5% in 30 days or >or= 10% in 180 days. RESULTS: The total frequency of weight loss episodes per person was comparable between NH and research staff weight assessments across the 12 study months. However, monthly weight values recorded by NH staff were consistently higher than values recorded by research staff, which resulted in a higher prevalence of weight loss and earlier identification of weight loss according to research staff weight values using a standardized weighing protocol. CONCLUSIONS: A standardized weighing protocol improved the detection of weight loss among NH residents and should allow for earlier nutrition intervention.
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of weight loss is a quality indicator for nursing homes (NH), and monthly weight assessments are conducted by NH staff to determine weight loss. METHODS: A longitudinal study was conducted with 90 long-stay residents in four NHs for 12 study months. Monthly weight values documented in the medical record by NH staff were compared to independent weight values collected by research staff using a standardized protocol. Weight loss was defined according to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) criterion: >or= 5% in 30 days or >or= 10% in 180 days. RESULTS: The total frequency of weight loss episodes per person was comparable between NH and research staff weight assessments across the 12 study months. However, monthly weight values recorded by NH staff were consistently higher than values recorded by research staff, which resulted in a higher prevalence of weight loss and earlier identification of weight loss according to research staff weight values using a standardized weighing protocol. CONCLUSIONS: A standardized weighing protocol improved the detection of weight loss among NH residents and should allow for earlier nutrition intervention.
Authors: Sandra F Simmons; Emily T Garcia; Mary P Cadogan; Nahla R Al-Samarrai; Lene F Levy-Storms; Dan Osterweil; John F Schnelle Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2003-10 Impact factor: 5.562
Authors: Sandra F Simmons; Emmett Keeler; Xiaohui Zhuo; Kelly A Hickey; Hui-Wen Sato; John F Schnelle Journal: J Am Geriatr Soc Date: 2008-07-15 Impact factor: 5.562
Authors: Dennis H Sullivan; Larry E Johnson; Melinda M Bopp; Paula K Roberson Journal: J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci Date: 2004-06 Impact factor: 6.053
Authors: Sandra F Simmons; Daniel W Durkin; Matthew S Shotwell; Scott Erwin; John F Schnelle Journal: Transl Behav Med Date: 2013-06 Impact factor: 3.046
Authors: F Landi; R Liperoti; F Lattanzio; A Russo; M Tosato; C Barillaro; R Bernabei; G Onder Journal: J Nutr Health Aging Date: 2012-01 Impact factor: 4.075