journal articles
NOTHING VENTURED, NOTHING GAINED: ACCEPTABILITY TESTING OF MICRONUTRIENT FORTIFICATION IN LONG-TERM CARE
I.T.Y. Lam, H.H. Keller, L.M. Duizer, K.D. Stark, A.M. Duncan
Jour Nursing Home Res 2015;1:18-27
Background: Purpose: Malnutrition is common in long-term care (LTC) residents, yet limited research exists on micronutrient deficiencies. Objective: This study used qualitative methods to explore the acceptability of a food-first micronutrient fortification strategy for LTC and further develop this strategy. Design & participants: Qualitative cross-sectional data collection based on eleven staff focus groups (n=45), ten expert key informant interviews, and five family/resident focus groups (n=71) were conducted. Data were triangulated during content analysis, completed by two coders. Results: Stakeholders provided insight into benefits, concerns and potential solutions to minimize barriers and promote adherence to the strategy. Suggested solutions included development of outsourced/pre-made fortified products, mandatory training and clear protocols. Stakeholders can envision food fortification as a strategy to improve micronutrient status if products are easy to access and incorporate into current production systems. Yet, residents and families wish to be informed and have the potential to ‘opt out’. Safety and efficacy also needs to be demonstrated before it is incorporated into standard practice. Conclusion: This work provides a strong foundation for developing a proof-of-concept micronutrient food fortification study for the prevention of deficiencies in LTC.
CITATION:
I.T.Y. Lam ; H.H. Keller ; L.M. Duizer ; K.D. Stark ; A.M. Duncan ; (2015): NOTHING VENTURED, NOTHING GAINED: ACCEPTABILITY TESTING OF MICRONUTRIENT FORTIFICATION IN LONG-TERM CARE. The Journal of Nursing Home Research Science (JNHRS). http://dx.doi.org/10.14283/jnhrs.2015.5