Feasibility of home‐based dietetic intervention to improve the nutritional status of older adults post‐hospital discharge

摘要

Aim To determine if a model of home‐based dietetic care improves dietary intake and weight status in a specific group of older adults post‐hospitalisation. Methods The Department of Veterans’ Affairs clients aged 65 years and over were recruited from hospitals in a regional area of New South Wales, Australia (n?=?32 men, n?=?36 women). Nutritional status was assessed at home at baseline (within two weeks post‐discharge) and three months post‐discharge using a diet history, a food frequency checklist and Mini Nutritional Assessment ( MNA ). Personalised dietary advice was provided by a single dietitian according to participants’ nutritional status. Results Mean body weight improved significantly ( P ?=?0.048), as well as mean MNA score (21.9?±?3.5 vs 25.2?±?3.1) ( P ??0.001). Mean energy, protein and micronutrient intakes were adequate at baseline and three months, except for vitamin D. At three months, the underweight group (body mass index ( BMI )??23?kg/m 2 ) had significantly higher mean protein intake per body weight (1.7?±?0.4?g/kg) compared to those who were a desirable weight ( BMI 23–27?kg/m 2 ) (1.4?±?0.3?g/kg) or overweight ( BMI 27?kg/m 2 ) (1.1?±?0.3?g/kg) peers ( P ??0.001). There was significant improvement in energy intake contributed from oral nutrition supplements (+95.5?±?388.2? kJ /day) and milk (+259.6?±?659.8? kJ /day). Conclusions Dietetic intervention improved nutritional status 3 months after hospital discharge in older adults living in the community.