Effects of an individualised nutritional intervention to tackle malnutrition in nursing homes: a pre-post study

Key summary pointsAim The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an individualised nutritional intervention on dietary intake (primary outcome), body weight, handgrip strength and quality of life in nursing home residents with (risk of) malnutrition. Findings Our individualised nutritional intervention consisting of three supplement modules (offered single or combined) and reshaped texture-modified meals (for residents with chewing and/or swallowing difficulties) improved energy and protein intake and one quality of life subscale. Message In this pre-post intervention study (n = 50) the individualised nutritional supplementation, reshaped texture-modified meals and potentially increased awareness by nurses improved primary outcomes. Future research should investigate the impact of individualised interventions more comprehensively, in randomized controlled trials and in larger samples. Purpose Individualised interventions are recommended to tackle malnutrition in older adults, but approaches for nursing home (NH) residents are scarce. This study investigated the effects of an individualised nutritional intervention in NH residents with (risk of) malnutrition. Methods In a pre-post study, 6 weeks (w) of usual care were followed by 6w of intervention. The intervention consisted of up to three supplement modules (sweet and savoury protein creams and protein-energy drink, single or combined) and, if required, reshaped texture-modified meals (RTMM). Results Fifty residents completed the study (84 +/- 8 years, 74% female). One-third (32%) received RTMM. Additional 258 +/- 167 kcal/day and 23 +/- 15 g protein/day were offered. Mean daily energy intake increased by 207 (95%CI 47-368, p = 0.005) kcal and protein intake by 14 (7-21, p < 0.001) g (w12 vs w1). Quality of life (QoL) increased in the subscale "care relationship" (+ 9 (3-15) points, p = 0.002, w12 vs w6). Body weight, handgrip strength, and other QoL subscales did not change. Conclusion Our intervention improved dietary intake and one QoL subscale in NH residents with (risk of) malnutrition. As a next step, randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the impact of individualised interventions more comprehensively.