Minimal eating observation form: Reliability and validity

Abstract

The MEOF has satisfying validity and reliability. The earlier model of eating difficulties was confirmed (MEOF-I), and the model was slightly adjusted to a new model, MEOF-II. Providing eating assistance seems effective in preventing malnutrition (weight loss and BMI below limits), and is mainly provided to persons with ingestion difficulties. Difficulties with energy intake and appetite are not associated with eating assistance; indicating that those persons might need support of some other kind. This support can include providing PE-enriched food and supplements, but seems however insufficiently or inadequately delivered, as low energy and appetite problems are also associated with both weight loss and low BMI. Findings from other studies are confirmed.

Patient Experiences and Health System Responsiveness in South Africa

“…But a previous study [13] found that staffs are good at providing eating assistance for patients with ingestion difficulties, and that these problems do not strongly contribute to undernutrition risk. It has also been found that energy problems are the single most important factor among the eating difficulties that contribute to undernutrition risk [12,13]. A better targeting of PE-food and oral supplements is perhaps the most important step to take, as it is well known that dietary supplementation is beneficial by means of for instance better values in anthropometric measures, decreased hospital stay and mortality [21][22][23][24][25][26].…”

Improving nursing students research knowledge through participation in a study about nutrition, its associated factors and assessment

“…MEONF-II includes an assessment of eating difficulties (according to the Minimal Eating Observation FormVersion II (MEOF-II) [8] , unintentional weight loss, either low BMI (<20 for 69 years or younger, or <22 for 70 years or older) or calf circumference <31 centimetres, and an additional assessment of the presence or absence of clinical signs of undernutrition [3] . MEONF-II yields a total score ranging from 0-8.…”

“…It has been shown that by having students to participate in the research process their attitudes towards research gets more positive [6] and that their research skills improve [6,7] . We have involved undergraduate nursing students in actual research projects since 2005 [2,[8][9][10] . For example, in a small study were the students (n=42) were research collaborators in a nutrition study, 86% stated that they got improved understanding of research and 38% got increased knowledge about nutrition [11] .…”

Malnutrition and nutritional care in an Icelandic teaching hospital

“…The MEONF-II includes assessments of unintentional weight loss, low BMI/short calf circumference, and eating difficulties. The included eating difficulties (food intake, chewing/swallowing, energy/appetite) are based on the Minimal Eating Observation Form -version II (MEOF-II) [22] [23]. An additional assessment of the presence of clinical signs of undernutrition is also included [17].…”