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Individually adjusted meals for older people with protein‐energy malnutrition: a single‐case study
Author(s) -
Christensson Lennart,
Ek AnnaChristina,
Unosson Mitra
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of clinical nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.94
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1365-2702
pISSN - 0962-1067
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2702.2001.00508.x
Subject(s) - anthropometry , medicine , malnutrition , transthyretin , body weight , gerontology , weight loss , protein–energy malnutrition , physical therapy , obesity
• The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a 3‐month intervention programme consisting of meals based on individual nutritional requirements in residents assessed as protein‐energy malnourished on admission to a municipal care Institution. • Using a single‐case design, 11 malnourished residents were given individual care aimed at fulfilling their personal requirements for energy intake during a period of 12 weeks. The residents were selected from a sample of 261 newly admitted older adults of whom 87 were assessed to be malnourished on admission. Nutritional status, including anthropometric and biochemical variables and functional capacities were assessed before, during, and after the intervention. Energy intake was recorded every day. Body weight, and serum concentration of albumin and transthyretin were measured every other week. • During a 3‐month period, the mean value of energy intake reached the calculated energy requirement in 10 residents. Eight residents increased in weight, triceps skin‐fold thickness, and transthyretin concentration. Nine residents increased in arm muscle circumference, and 10 showed increased serum albumin concentration and functional capacity. • We conclude that nursing care based on individual nutritional requirements, resources, and desires improves nutritional status and functional capacity in a group of malnourished residents.