Nutritional practices in long-term care across five European countries: Findings from the COST Action PROGRAMMING

High quality nutrition and medical nutrition therapy in long-term care (LTC) settings are essential to overcome malnutrition and ensure a better quality of life. Heterogenous and often insufficient regulations contribute to a disparity in nutritional practices across Europe. The aim of the study was to gather information on nutrition-related regulations and practices, as well as establish potential future directions in LTC settings in five European countries: Greece, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal and Türkiye.

A country-specific literature review was conducted, including analysis of national regulations on nutrition in LTC settings. Additionally, the authors discussed possible future directions for each of the areas included in the review.

In all the countries included regulations regarding the nutrition of LTC residents were identified. Countries differed in the availability of nutritional guidelines for this specific population, the requirement to employ a dietitian, and the presence of a mandatory nutritional assessment. No country-specific tools were identified for screening, assessment and diagnosing malnutrition. Meals are adapted in all countries to accommodate religious and/or cultural dietary preferences.

Areas for significant improvement were identified in all countries. The exchange of experiences between different European countries can lead to the development of good practices and a common direction for quality improvement regulations for nutritional care in LTC.