Source · HSSIB Patient Safety Investigation
Nutrition management of acutely unwell patients in acute medical units
Published 25 April 2024
Launched 15 December 2022
Published
Acute
Hospital care
Continuity of care
Acute medical units (AMUs) are the first point of entry for patients referred to hospital as an emergency by their GP and those who require admission from emergency departments. This investigation seeks to support improvements in identification and management of nutritional needs in AMUs.
Summary
5 learning prompts
Learning Prompts
Prompt 1
Learning prompt
NHS trusts can improve patient safety by supporting staff in acute medical units to complete and review MUST screening, identifying where a subjective assessment has been completed, and when further MUST screenings should take place.
Prompt 2
Learning prompt
NHS trusts can improve patient safety in acute medical units by identifying and planning for the increased need for routine periodic and ongoing nutritional screening and monitoring to account for increased length of patient stays.
Prompt 3
Learning prompt
NHS trusts can improve patient safety by ensuring that both permanent and temporary staff in acute medical units are supported in accessing training, achieving competence, and seeking support in completing MUST screening in line with trust processes.
Prompt 4
Learning prompt
NHS trusts can improve patient safety in acute medical units by implementing, and if already implemented then appropriately using, digital systems to monitor and highlight nutritional screening requirements.
Prompt 5
Learning prompt
NHS trusts can improve patient safety by reviewing policies, processes, and procedures in acute medical units to ensure they provide clear and easily accessible pathways to refer patients to dietetics or speech and language services.