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Describing Community-Based Nurses' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in the Nutritional Care of Older Adults: Results of a UK Survey

Authors :
Shield, Ashley
Romano, Vittoria
Robinson, Sian M.
Witham, Miles D.
Source :
Journal of Gerontological Nursing. September, 2024, p1, 7 p.
Publication Year :
2024

Abstract

Purpose: To ascertain current nutritional knowledge and training needs of community-based nurses caring for older adults in the United Kingdom. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional, anonymized, online survey of nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to older adults' nutrition was developed. Community-based nurses working with older adults in the United Kingdom were recruited via social media and convenience sampling. Results: Responses were received from 194 community-based nurses. Nutritional care was seen as a multidisciplinary responsibility by 62% of participants. Most undertook nutrition screening (93%), were confident in providing nutritional advice (83%), and ease of identifying those in need (88%) was high. However, some aspects of nutritional knowledge were less complete, including recommended daily intakes of protein (60% unsure) and fiber (52% unsure). Conclusion: High confidence in delivering nutritional advice contrasted with uncertainty around some aspects of nutritional knowledge, suggesting opportunities to improve training on the nutritional needs of older adults. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, xx(xx), xx–xx.]<br />Nutrition is a modifiable lifestyle factor that impacts all aspects of health. Older adults may be at greater risk of poor nutrition due to aging-related changes in physiology and comorbidities [...]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00989134
Database :
Gale General OneFile
Journal :
Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
edsgcl.809700850
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3928/00989134-20240918-01