Malnutrition risk assessment using a machine learning-based screening tool: A multicentre retrospective cohort

Background

Malnutrition is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Early detection is important for timely intervention. This paper assesses the ability of a machine learning screening tool (MUST-Plus) implemented in registered dietitian (RD) workflow to identify malnourished patients early in the hospital stay and to improve the diagnosis and documentation rate of malnutrition.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a large, urban health system in New York City comprising six hospitals serving a diverse patient population. The study included all patients aged ≥ 18 years, who were not admitted for COVID-19 and had a length of stay of ≤ 30 days.

Results

Of the 7736 hospitalisations that met the inclusion criteria, 1947 (25.2%) were identified as being malnourished by MUST-Plus-assisted RD evaluations. The lag between admission and diagnosis improved with MUST-Plus implementation. The usability of the tool output by RDs exceeded 90%, showing good acceptance by users. When compared pre-/post-implementation, the rate of both diagnoses and documentation of malnutrition showed improvement.

Conclusion

MUST-Plus, a machine learning-based screening tool, shows great promise as a malnutrition screening tool for hospitalised patients when used in conjunction with adequate RD staffing and training about the tool. It performed well across multiple measures and settings. Other health systems can use their electronic health record data to develop, test and implement similar machine learning-based processes to improve malnutrition screening and facilitate timely intervention.