title: Nutritional Intervention Via Videoconferencing for Older Adults Receiving Home Care - A Pilot Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Malnutrition is common in aged home care clients and that affects negatively the health of aged people. Nutritional screening is recommended for early detection of malnutrition.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim was to assess the nutritional status and food intake of home care receivers and improve their nutrient intake with tailored nutritional advice administered via videoconferencing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Intervention with follow-up.
  
  
  METHODS
  Home care in the city of Helsinki.
  
  
  METHODS
  25 older (>65 years) adults receiving home care.
  
  
  METHODS
  After an initial assessment determining their needs, participants received tailored nutritional advice via videoconferencing over a six-month follow-up period.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants nutritional status was assessed with a Mini Nutritional Assessment -test (MNA). Nutrient intake was calculated based on a detailed three-day food diary compiled twice during the six-month follow-up period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Altogether 25 persons participated in the study (mean age 78.5 years, 88 % females). According to the MNA test 80 % were at risk of malnutrition at the outset. Energy (1329 kcal) and mean nutrient intakes of protein (54 g) and folic acid (210 μg), for example, were inadequate. After six months of intervention, the mean energy intake had increased to 1450 (SD 319) kcal, protein to 65 (SD 20) g, and folic acid to 231 (SD 105) μg per day.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The energy, protein and other nutrient intake of the study participants increased during the six-month intervention. Videoconferencing seemed to be a well-accepted and feasible method for providing nutritional advice to older home care clients.
authors.affiliation: Merja Suominen, Society of for Memory Disorders Expertise in Finland, Fredriksberginkatu 2, 00240 Helsinki, merja.suominen@ravitsemuskuntoutus.fi.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Puranen
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Finne-Soveri
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Auranne
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lehtinen-Fraser
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Suominen