This assignment will focus on a trust-adapted version of the Universal Malnutrition Screening Tool (MUST). It will demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical knowledge used to develop the assessment tool. The assignment will focus on three components of the tool: discussing reliability and validity when used in a clinical environment. A reflection of my own experience using the tool will be included and linked to the reliability aspects. Any reliability issues will be identified and suggestions given on how they can be corrected to facilitate future use. MUST is a five-step screening tool designed for healthcare professionals to identify adult patients at risk or suffering from malnutrition. It includes guidelines on how to develop an effective treatment plan. In 2000, the Malnutrition Advisory Group (MAG) adapted and expanded its community screening tool to include nursing homes and hospitals, in response to national concerns. (Department of Health, 2001). In 2003, MUST was developed by MAG and the British Association for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (BAPEN). It has been tested in numerous healthcare establishments, in order to target patients likely to be exposed to a risk of malnutrition. I chose this tool because it is widely used in healthcare; however, malnutrition is often unrecognized and poorly managed. According to BAPEN, around three million people in the UK are at risk or suffering from malnutrition. Malnutrition can affect a patient physically and mentally and can also increase recovery time (Zellipour and Stratton, 2005). This assignment will help me understand the theory and rationale behind the development of MUST. The first element of the MUST is to measure the patient's height and weight to establish their body mass index (BMI). BMI is the relationship between the middle of the paper ......n or the length of the ulna as well as the type of measuring device used to weigh the patient, for example a chair or a scale. This would allow the assessment to be conducted each time using the same measurements and equipment, making the test fairer and more reliable (Medical Education Division, 2007). This mission discussed the theory and development of a version suitable for the DOIT trust. A rationale for my choice was included and linked to specific learning objectives. A discussion regarding the three components of this tool has been included; these have been linked to validity and reliability. Finally, a reflection on my experiences using the MUST in an elderly medical care service has been included with regard to reliability aspects and theories on how these can be overcome for ease of use. future in clinical settings..