Introducing ‘MUST’

The ‘Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool’ (‘MUST’) was developed by the Malnutrition Advisory Group, a standing committee of BAPEN and it has been reviewed regularly since its launch in 2003. It is supported by many governmental and non-governmental organisations including the British Dietetic Association (BDA), the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) and the Registered Nursing Home Association RNHA) and is the most commonly used screening tool in the UK. It is also used in many other countries in Europe and the rest of the world.

Copies of the ‘MUST’ materials and the ‘MUST’ Explanatory Booklet – a guide to the use of ‘MUST’ are available to view and download in PDF format free of charge

In 2013 NICE recommended the use of BAPEN’s interactive e-learning resource on nutritional screening using ‘MUST’ for staff working in hospitals, primary care and care homes to aid implementation on the new NICE Quality Standard for Nutritional Support of Adults: http://guidance.nice.org.uk/QS24*.

All three ‘MUST’ modules are SCORM compliant and can link into national or local learning management systems used by Trusts/organisations to record completion of e-learning and overcomes the need for separate reporting systems. The modules equip staff to play a key part in improving the nutritional care of their residents/patients/clients as well as ensure compliance with the Care Quality Commission regulations, national nutritional care standards and the new NICE Quality Standard for Nutritional Support in Adults.

Each module includes case studies and care plans appropriate for the work place and an online assessment, together with the ability to print off certificates of achievement. Key Features include:

  • Tailored case studies to meet staff needs and place of work
  • Interactive and online
  • Approximately 45 minutes on average to complete
  • End of course assessment and certificate of completion

Standard versions of the hospital module are freely available via ESR or the Department of Health e-lfh platform. However, all modules can be customised to include trust or organisational logos, a welcome from a senior manager and local care plans if desired. Costs for customisation will depend on the work required.

All enquiries/requests to BAPEN Office, Devonshire Business Centre, Works Road, Letchworth, Hertfordshire, SG6 1GJ

Tel: 01462 341422 bapen@bapen.org.uk

‘Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool’ materials are also available in the following languages:

French
Français
German
Deutsch
Italian
Italiano
Portuguese
Português
Spanish
Español
Malnutrition and nutritional care reports