Sammanfattning
Background: Elderly patients in nursing homes are at risk of becoming undernourished, and it has been found that high-energy smoothies can serve as a supplement to high-energy and nutritious foods in order to prevent and treat undernutrition.
Objective: To explore the experiences of health personnel in relation to high-energy smoothies for elderly patients in nursing homes.
Method: The study includes three qualitative focus group interviews of health personnel from two different nursing homes.
Results: Some patients experienced heartburn, obstipation and nausea after drinking smoothies. Patients who were undernourished did not gain weight, and it is uncertain whether the patients consumed more fruit during the period they were given smoothies. The informants agreed that smoothies gave the patients energy, which could lead to some individuals becoming over-active. To control the intake of energy, nutrition and fluids, it is necessary to have individual nutrition and drink lists.
Conclusion: Smoothies can cause heartburn, nausea and constipation, and those who were undernourished did not gain weight. Preparing individually adapted smoothies will help to ensure that wishes and needs for fluids and nutrients are safeguarded.