Review of Nutrition Screening and Assessment Practices for Long-Term Care Residents

Abstract

The older adult population in Canada is growing, creating a greater demand for long-term care (LTC) facilities. Seniors living in LTC are more vulnerable to malnutrition, making it important to implement nutrition screening tools on a routine basis. The purpose of this study was to explore the practices of Registered Dietitians (RDs) related to nutritional screening, nutritional assessment, and follow-ups conducted within LTC facilities. This study also explored possible barriers hindering the application of these practices. Nine RDs from two health regions in Southern Saskatchewan completed a phone interview to address nutrition care practices/policies and barriers in LTC facilities. Results showed a considerable amount of variability in nutrition care practices for screening and assessment with lack of time identified as the greatest barrier. These findings highlight the importance of having consistent policies and a sufficient amount of RDs available in LTC facilities to provide the expected level of nutrition care for residents.

Malnutrition Prevalence Rates among Dutch Nursing Home Residents: What Has Changed over One Decade? A Comparison of the Years 2009, 2013 and 2018

“…People living in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, have a higher risk to develop malnutrition due to factors such as cognitive problems, decreased motor skills, dysphagia, problems with vision and/or poor appetite (9,10). As a result, ensuring adequate food intake in this population is challenging.…”

The role of the dietitian in the management of malnutrition in the elderly: A systematic review of current practices

“…Ten studies relating to the connection between the setting and the role of the dietitian were categorised into the first theme . All studies revolved, in different care settings, around the extent to which screening instruments are used and around the practices that resulted from this screening.…”

“…Second, ad hoc referral to dietitians also exists . For patients to be referred, dietitians are often dependent on sufficient and effective screening for malnutrition by other health professionals.…”

“…However, settings apparently do not focus on training other health professionals given that they are sometimes unable to make (sufficient) referrals because of a lack of knowledge. They, therefore, indicate that they should receive more training in topics relevant to malnutrition in the elderly . Besides a lack of knowledge, screening also appears to be impeded by a lack of time of dietitians and other health professionals …”

“…The Nutrition Care Process shows that screening is not typically performed by dietitians and also that it should be followed by actual intervention . This review extensively shows that screening practices sometimes are not only ad hoc character but also, although less prominent, that dietitians are dependent on other health professionals for actual interventions . The review also shows that these other health professionals are not always aware of dietetics or that they have other priorities.…”