The accuracy of monthly weight assessments in nursing homes: Implications for the identification of weight loss

Background The prevalence of weight loss is a quality indicator for nursing homes (NH), and monthly weight assessments are conducted by NH staff to determine weight loss. Methods A longitudinal study was conducted with 90 long-stay residents in four NHs for 12 study months. Monthly weight values documented in the medical record by NH staff were compared to independent weight values collected by research staff using a standardized protocol. Weight loss was defined according to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) criterion: ≥ 5% in 30 days or ≥ 10% in 180 days. Results The total frequency of weight loss episodes per person was comparable between NH and research staff weight assessments across the 12 study months. However, monthly weight values recorded by NH staff were consistently higher than values recorded by research staff, which resulted in a higher prevalence of weight loss and earlier identification of weight loss according to research staff weight values using a standardized weighing protocol. Conclusions A standardized weighing protocol improved the detection of weight loss among NH residents and should allow for earlier nutrition intervention.