Compliance of nursing home residents with a nutrient- and energy-dense oral nutritional supplement determines effects on nutritional status

Abstract

A high compliance of nursing home residents with a low volume, nutrient- and energy dense ONS was related to a significantly improved nutritional status in comparison to low compliance and therefore enhanced the effectiveness of ONS. A higher compliance may be achieved by consideration of different residents' characteristics.

Optimising nutrition in residential aged care: A narrative review

“…Oral nutrition supplements may prevent a decrease in physical function, but should be used in combination with resistance exercise in frail residents (17,115,(119)(120)(121). Measures to increase adherence will significantly improve the resident outcomes as well as decrease waste, especially in residents with dementia (118,120,124). These findings further emphasise the need for policy which promotes regular malnutrition screening and nutrition assessment of residents, so that intervention can be needs-based.…”

“…The provision of ONS in the RAC setting has shown to be effective in promoting weight gain and mid-arm and calf circumference and health-related quality of life in residents at risk or malnourished, and therefore may improve nutrition status in malnourished groups (17,(116)(117)(118)(119).…”

“…Resident adherence in consuming ONS is positively associated with improvements in nutritional parameters, such as weight and mid-arm circumference (118,123). Adherence has been found to improve when ONS is provided as a nutrient dense, low volume option, of approximately 50 -125ml with accompanying dietary counselling (116,118,123).…”

“…Adherence has been found to improve when ONS is provided as a nutrient dense, low volume option, of approximately 50 -125ml with accompanying dietary counselling (116,118,123). Adherence is also shown to be higher in residents who are malnourished or have chewing difficulties, but lower in residents who are depressed, are immobile or report gastrointestinal distress, indicating residents with these characteristics will require increased individualised support (118).…”

“…Overall, evidence suggests that individualised ONS in low volumes (50-125ml) may be effective in treating malnutrition in residents by promoting weight gain and resident adherence (116,118). Oral nutrition supplements may prevent a decrease in physical function, but should be used in combination with resistance exercise in frail residents (17,115,(119)(120)(121).…”