2020, Article / Letter to editor (Health Expectations, (2020))Background Malnutrition is a risk factor for impaired functionality and independence. For optimal treatment of malnourished older adults (OA), close collaboration and communication between all stakeholders involved (OA, their caregivers and health-care and welfare professionals) is important. This qualitative study assesses current collaboration and communication in nutritional care over the continuum of health-care settings and provides recommendations for improvement. Methods Eleven structured focus group interviews and five individual interviews took place in three regions across the Netherlands from November 2017 until February 2018, including OA, caregivers and health-care and welfare professionals. Various aspects of collaboration and communication between all stakeholders were discussed. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using a thematic approach. Results Six main themes emerged: causes of malnutrition, knowledge and awareness, recognition and diagnosis of malnutrition, communication, accountability and food preparation and supply. Physical and social aspects were recognized as important risk factors for malnutrition. Knowledge and awareness regarding malnutrition were acknowledged as being insufficient among all involved. This may impair timely recognition and diagnosis. Responsibility for nutritional care and its communication to other disciplines are low. Food preparation and supply in hospitals, rehabilitation centres and home care are below expected standards. Conclusion Many stakeholders are involved in nutritional care of OA, and lack of communication and collaboration hinders continuity of nutritional care over health-care settings. Lack of knowledge is an important risk factor. Establishing one coordinator of nutritional care is suggested to improve collaboration and communication across health-care settings.
2020, Article / Letter to editor (European Geriatric Medicine, vol. 11, iss. 1, (2020), pp. 169-177)Purpose The Joint Action Malnutrition in the Elderly (MaNuEL) Knowledge Hub was established to extend scientific knowledge, strengthen evidence-based practice, build a sustainable, transnational network of experts and harmonize research and clinical practice in the field of protein-energy malnutrition in older persons. This paper aims to summarize the main scientific results achieved during the 2-year project and to outline the recommendations derived. Methods 22 research groups from seven countries (Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, The Netherlands and New Zealand) worked together on 6 relevant domains of malnutrition-i.e. prevalence, screening, determinants, treatment, policy measures and education for health care professionals-making use of existing datasets, evidence and expert knowledge. Results Four systematic reviews, six secondary data analyses of existing cohort and intervention studies, two web-based surveys and one Delphi study were performed. In addition, a scoring system to rate malnutrition screening tools and a theoretical framework on the aetiology of malnutrition in older persons were developed. Based on these activities and taking existing evidence into consideration, 13 clinical practice, 9 research and 4 policy recommendations were developed. The MaNuEL Toolbox was created and made available to effectively distribute and disseminate the MaNuEL results and recommendations. Conclusions The MaNuEL Knowledge Hub successfully achieved its aims. Results and recommendations will support researchers, healthcare professionals, policy-makers as well as educational institutes to advance their efforts in tackling the increasing problem of protein-energy malnutrition in the older population. Key summary pointsAim To summarize the main scientific results achieved during the 2-year Joint Action Malnutrition in the Elderly (MaNuEL) project and to outline the recommendations derived. Findings Four systematic reviews, six secondary data analyses of existing cohort and intervention studies, two web-based surveys and one Delphi study were performed. In addition, a scoring system to rate malnutrition screening tools and a theoretical framework (DoMAP) on the aetiology of malnutrition in older persons were developed. Message The MaNuEL Toolbox was made available to effectively distribute and disseminate the MaNuEL results and recommendations, which will support researchers, healthcare professionals, policy-makers as well as educational institutes to advance their efforts in tackling the increasing problem of protein-energy malnutrition in the older population.