| This study determines the validity of items included on the Minimum Data Set 2.0 Section K to identify long-term care residents at nutritional risk. A Registered Dietitian assessed 128 residents and provided a nutritional risk rating. Bivariate tests of association assessed the relationship between the dietitian rating and each of the items on Section K. The sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of specific and combinations of variables was also determined. Dietary prescription (diet rx), supplement use, swallowing problems, and body mass index (BMI) were significantly associated with nutritional risk. The best combination of variables included the presence of one or more of diet rx, supplement, swallowing problem, or BMI < 24 kg/m2 (Se = .81, Sp = .50). Although items on Section K are associated with nutritional risk, Se and Sp analysis suggests that these items and this section require further refinement and validation prior to use as part of a referral mechanism. |
