Allowing easier identification of signs of malnutrition using the paperweight armband

Narrative

The paperweight armband is a simple tool which can be used to identify malnutrition. In Greater Manchester, it is used as part of the GM Nutrition and Hydration Programme. Professor McLauglin was part of the steering team during the pilot stage of development and later led the evaluation of this tool.

Body mass index is used to establish malnourishment but the practicalities of weighing and measuring height in community and home settings can be challenging. The paperweight armband slips easily on the arm and is a strong indicator of possible malnutrition allowing health and social care professionals, carers and relatives to easily identify those at risk. 

Printed on the armband are links to a range of nutritional support materials on the AGE UK Salford website.

One year after the armband was introduced in Salford, there was a 50% increase in reporting of underweight BMI in primary care. The estimated reduction in expenditure on oral nutritional supplements in the first three years was over £300,000.

Impact date	2016
Category of impact	Economic, Health and wellbeing
Impact level	Benefit