A SENS nutrition survey should be carried out once a year when the situation is stable, and twice a year when the situation is unstable. We recommend to conduct the survey at the same time each year. A SENS can also be done when there is a large influx of refugees, when food rations are reduced for long periods, or when there is an outbreak of disease.

The SENS guidelines are designed to cover most emergencies and all stable, protracted situations. They are currently most suitable for camps and surrounding villages. Guidelines for urban settings will be developed in the future.