Nursing interventions to prevent and treat malnutrition in older adults : a literature review

Abstract: Background World Health Organization reports that there are no exact statistics of how many older adults worldwide suffer from malnutrition, but available data suggest that about 15–60 percent of older adults cared for in hospitals, nursing homes and home-care programmes are suffering from malnutrition. It is important that the registered nurse is aware of different interventions and how they can be implemented in order to improve the nutritional status of the older adult. Aim The aim of this study was to examine nursing interventions used to treat and prevent malnutrition in older adults at hospitals and nursing homes. Method The study design was a literature review with 15 scientific articles included. The data collection was done in the databases PubMed and CINAHL. The result articles were a mix of both qualitative- and quantitative studies. Intergraded data analysis was used to compile the 15 articles. Results The interventions had an overall positive effect on the nutritional status of the older adults. Oral nutritional supplements were the most common intervention. Both environmental and social factors had effect on the mealtime experience. The older adult was not often involved in the nutritional care and the evaluation of the outcome of the interventions was scarce. The teamwork between health professionals, relatives and the older adult was inadequate. Conclusions Malnutrition in older adults is a prevalent problem and is often de-prioritized in nursing care. The most common intervention used was oral nutritional supplements but there are other interventions that also provide positive results and provide more individual care and are often disregarded by the RN’s. The older adults’ involvement in the nutritional care can be increased and improved as well as involvement of relatives. The importance of treating and preventing malnutrition is a topic that could be emphasized more within the geriatric care.