MUST — Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool
Five-step BAPEN screening tool (2003). BMI score + unplanned weight loss score + acute disease effect score. Total 0–6 categorised low / medium / high risk.
Score interpretation
→ Routine clinical care. Repeat MUST: weekly inpatients; monthly care home; annually community older adults / at-risk groups.
→ Document dietary intake for 3 days. If improved/adequate: continue routine care. If concerned: oral nutritional supplements (ONS) per BAPEN; refer dietitian.
→ Refer dietitian / nutrition support team. Set goals; energy-dense diet, ONS 1.5 kcal/mL ×2/day. Re-screen weekly inpatient / monthly community. Consider artificial nutrition (NG, PEG, parenteral) if oral inadequate >5–7 days. Address underlying cause.
Interpretation bands for the MUST. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Falls Assessment in Older Adults · NICE CG161 2013
- Delirium Outside ICU · NICE CG103
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) · BGS / NICE
- Delirium Assessment and Management · NICE CG103 2010
- Frailty Recognition and Management · BGS Frailty Framework / NHS NHSE
- Polypharmacy and Medicines Optimisation · STOPP/START v2 2014 / NICE NG5
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.