NutriPro
Malnutrition is defined as an imbalance in nutrients caused by either a deficit or excess in their intake. It is a common syndrome, and one of the main causes of weakness among the elderly population. Although it is not classed as an illness, its mere presence can lead to a rise in comorbilities, hospital admissions, institutionalisation and mortality through parallel illnesses. 66% of malnutrition cases are treatable, for this reason early detection and intervention are crucial to reverse this situation.
Health professionals are responsible for carrying out the periodical evaluation of the nutritional state of the elderly population, having at their disposal simple tools to use to this end such as the MNA questionnaire, (Mini Nutritional Assessment). However, there is no actual protocol or standardised critera for diagnoses that can be used outside the professional health sphere, such as in nursing homes or in private homes.
The aim of the NutriPro project is to undertake a study to evaluate the impact that using a tool such as MNA (Mini-Nutritional Assessment) as an integral part of the care routine can have in detecting malnutrition in nursing homes.
To this end, the project proposes implementing a platform of management directed to formal and informal carers which will allow them to use MNA questionnaires. The information obtained through these questionnaires will be used to plan nutritional intervention and to conduct follow-up and evaluation of the impact that the said intervention has on the state of malnutrition.
The project is financed with European funds from the VII Marco Programme via General Management of Health and Food Safety. This is managed by Valencia Polytechnic University as the sole partner; in which the Sabien group and Cuina both participate. The Valencian Health Ministry and Geroresidencias S.A. also act as external collaborators.