The effect of an intervention of porcine protein versus maltodextrin supplement on CONvalescence of FUnCtional outcomes after IcU Stay (CONFUCIUS): Study protocol for a randomized controlled, single-center, double-blind trial.

Background: Patients discharged from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) frequently suffer from ICU-acquired weakness because of immobilization and massive inflammation-induced muscle mass loss. Consequently, rehospitalization, reduced quality of life (QoL), increased disabilities, and higher post-ICU mortality is observed. Exercise rehabilitation and optimal nutrition, particularly protein intake, are pivotal to regaining muscle mass and function.

Decision-making regarding oral nutritional supplements for nursing home residents with advanced dementia: A cross-sectional pilot study.

Background: Surrogate decision-making regarding oral nutritional supplements (ONS) for nursing home residents with advanced dementia is a complex process. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed whether Dutch dietitians, elderly care physicians (physicians) and surrogate decision-makers (SDMs) differ in the factors that they regard important when considering ONS. We also investigated differences in opinion regarding whether or not ONS is a life-prolonging measure.

Prevalence and Determinants of Undernutrition in A Sample of Dutch Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Results from Two Online Screening Tools.

To stimulate undernutrition screening among Dutch community-dwelling adults, a website was developed with general information on healthy eating for healthy aging and self-tests. Based on cross-sectional data obtained from the self-tests, we studied nutritional risk factors (early determinants) as well as risk of undernutrition (late symptoms). SCREEN II ( = 2470) was used to asses nutritional risk factors.

Protein intake in hospitalized older people with and without increased risk of malnutrition.

A protein intake of ≥1.2 grams per kg body weight (g/kg) is recommended for ill older adults. In a cross-sectional study, we investigated if this recommendation was met by 62 hospitalized adults of 65 years and older in a Dutch hospital.

Application of the European quality indicators for psychosocial dementia care in long-term care facilities in the Asia-Pacific region: a pilot study.

Objectives: An Asia-Pacific regional collaboration group conducted its first multi-country research project to determine whether or not European quality indicators (QIs) for psychosocial care in dementia could be implemented as a valid tool in residential aged care across seven Asia-Pacific sites (Australia, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand).

Method: Following the European QI protocol, auditing and data extraction of medical records of consenting residents with dementia were conducted by trained auditors with relevant health care backgrounds. Detailed field notes by the auditors were also obtained to describe the characteristics of the participating care facilities, as well as key issues and challenges encountered, for each of the 12 QIs.

Protein-enriched familiar foods and drinks improve protein intake of hospitalized older patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Background & Aims: Adequate protein intake is important in preventing and treating undernutrition. Hospitalized older patients are recommended to consume 1.2-1.

Undernutrition: who cares? Perspectives of dietitians and older adults on undernutrition.

Background: Many older adults are at risk of undernutrition. Dietitians play a key role in the management and treatment of undernutrition, but older adults have difficulties to comply with dietetic recommendations. This qualitative study investigated which barriers older adults experience in adhering to treatment for undernutrition.

At Your Request(®) room service dining improves patient satisfaction, maintains nutritional status, and offers opportunities to improve intake.

Background: Malnutrition in hospitals may be combatted by improving the meal service.

Aim: To evaluate whether At Your Request(®), a meal service concept by Sodexo with a restaurant style menu card and room service, improved patient satisfaction, nutritional status, and food intake compared to the traditional 3-meals per day service.

Methods: We prospectively collected data in Hospital Gelderse Vallei (Ede, the Netherlands) before (2011/2012; n = 168, age 63 ± 15 y) and after (2013/2014; n = 169, 66 ± 15 y) implementing At Your Request(®).

The development of quality indicators to improve psychosocial care in dementia.

Background: The evidence for the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions in dementia care is growing but the implementation of available evidence is not automatic. Our objective was to develop valid quality indicators (QIs) for psychosocial dementia care that facilitate the implementation process in various countries and settings.

Methods: A RAND-modified Delphi technique was used to develop a potential set of QIs.

Psychosocial interventions for dementia patients in long-term care.

Background: Psychosocial interventions in long-term care have the potential to improve the quality of care and quality of life of persons with dementia. Our aim is to explore the evidence and consensus on psychosocial interventions for persons with dementia in long-term care.

Methods: This study comprises an appraisal of research reviews and of European, U.

A systematic review of communication strategies for people with dementia in residential and nursing homes.

Background: The impairment of verbal skills of people with dementia challenges communication. The aim of this review was to study the effects of nonpharmacological interventions in residential and nursing homes on (1) communication between residents with dementia and care staff, and (2) the neuropsychiatric symptoms of residents with dementia.

Method: Pubmed, PsychInfo, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and reference lists from relevant publications were systematically searched to find articles about controlled interventions with communication strategies.

Effectiveness of nonpharmacological interventions in delaying the institutionalization of patients with dementia: a meta-analysis.

Contemporary healthcare policies are designed to shape the conditions that can help delay the institutionalization of patients with dementia. This can be done by developing support programs that minimize healthcare risks for the patients with dementia and their informal caregivers. Many support programs have been developed, and some of them are effective, but there has been no systematic review with a meta-analysis of all types of nonpharmacological support programs with odds of institutionalization or time to institutionalization as an outcome measure.