[Consensus of practical recommendations on feeding and nutrition in nursing homes for older adults using a modified...

Malnutrition is common in nursing homes residents and is associated with various significant complications. For this reason, several nutritional recommendations for nursing homes have been developed and also nutrition training for their staff has been recommended. The objective of this project is to develop a multidisciplinary consensus on key nutritional recommendations for nursing homes for older people.

A modified Delphi technique was used. First, the working group developed a list of initial recommendations based on a literature review. Second, three Delphi rounds were conducted with the participation of 37 experts from different fields and professions. Last, a final phase was held to compile the list of key recommendations.

Seven of the recommendations achieved 100% consensus in the first round, ten in the second phase, and three in the third one. In the final round, a level of agreement exceeding 90% was achieved for seven of the recommendations, while three others (to disseminate the IDDSI classification, optimize of oral intake and dietary counseling, and avoid enteral nutrition in advanced dementia) were adapted, subsequently achieving full agreement on the recommendations.

Thirty key recommendations are presented, agreed upon using modified Delphi method, to enhance diet and nutrition in nursing homes.