What is the MNA®?
The MNA® is a validated nutrition screening and assessment tool that can identify geriatric patients age 65 and above who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. The MNA® was developed nearly 20 years ago and is the most well validated nutrition screening tool for the elderly. Originally comprised of 18 questions, the current MNA® now consists of 6 questions and streamlines the screening process. The current MNA® retains the validity and accuracy of the original MNA® in identifying older adults who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition. The revised MNA® Short Form makes the link to intervention easier and quicker and is now the preferred form of the MNA® for clinical use.
MNA® Literature Database
You are being directed to another site that houses the MNA® Literature Database. The Literature Database houses valuable information on the extensive research that supports use of the MNA®. Currently the database has more than 1100 published research articles that reference the MNA®. The database will allow users to search for and access links to abstracts of all MNA® articles and references cited on the MNA® website.
Based on evidence showing the MNA® performed better than the Braden Scale and other measures in predicting pressure ulcer development,[I] the US Wound Registry established a CSM quality measure for screening wound care patients for nutrition risk (that can use the MNA®) and providing treatment as indicated. Click here to read an interview with the editor of Today's Wound Clinic about use of the MNA® in wound care.
The Self MNA® is a simple tool designed to help older adults see if they are getting the nutrition they need. This new tool was scientifically validated in community-dwelling older adults in a recently published study. Older adults may access the Self-MNA® on the MNA® Forms page, complete the 6 questions, and share the results with their doctor to help guide the discussion about nutrition and their health. The Self-MNA® is available in English, Bulgarian, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Korean, Lithuanian, Portuguese, Spanish, Swedish and Turkish.
The MNA® may be incorporated into the electronic health record provided users comply with all copyright and trademark requirements. Please contact us for more information.
Tools for Clinicians
Welcome to the section on tools for clinicians. In this section, you will find valuable tools to help you incorporate nutrition screening for elderly clients in your practice setting using the validated tool, the MNA®.
- MNA® User Guides provide step-by-step directions for completing the MNA®. The guides include explanations of each question and suggestions for training others to use the MNA®. Detailed directions and pictures clearly explain how to perform and interpret anthropometric measurements in a variety of populations.
- MNA® Video demonstrates step-by-step directions for using the MNA® in clinical practice to identify malnutrition in the elderly. The video includes alternate ways to measure height using demi-span, arm span, or knee height and how to measure calf circumference for patients when height and weight are not available.
- Recommended Interventions provides an algorithm and practical suggestions for interventions to improve your client’s nutrition care. The evidence-based interventions are based on the client’s nutrition classification on the MNA®.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) provides answers to your frequently asked questions on using the MNA®
Together, these tools will help you easily incorporate the MNA® into your practice setting and identify geriatric clients who are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.
MNA® and the Electronic Medical Record - The MNA® may be incorporated into the electronic health record, with permission, provided users comply with all copyright and trademark requirements. Please contact info@mna24.com for more information and permission.
Highlights of Frailty Workshop 2014
Nutrition, Frailty and Prevention of Disabilities with Aging
NNI Workshop Series. 2015
Frailty Pathophysiology, Phenotype, and Patient Care
Nutrition as an Integral Part of Disease Management
JNHA Dedicated MNA Research Issue, 2013
JNHA Self-MNA validation study, 2013
White Book on Frailty 2016
IAGG / GARN
Nutrition screening as easy as the MNA
- Specifically adapted for self completion by older adults or caregivers
- Determines the nutrition screening score
- Easy to use
- Results to be shared and discussed with healthcare provider
- Access the Self-MNA® on the MNA Forms page