The effects of nutrition education on professionals' practice and on the nutrition of aged residents in dementia wards.

OBJECTIVE: (1) To develop nutrition education for professionals in dementia wards. (2) To evaluate the effects of education and determine the outcome of the education on the nutrition of aged residents.

DESIGN: Educational intervention with before and after measurements. Both the learning outcomes of the professionals and the effect on the aged residents were assessed.

SETTING: Nursing home residents in dementia wards and professionals.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight professionals completed half-structured feedback questionnaires that were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively. Assessments of 21 residents' energy and nutrient intake and 19 residents' nutritional status with the MNA before and after the education.

RESULTS: The learning process included six half-day training sessions. The professionals learned to use and interpret the MNA and detailed food diaries. Keeping the food diaries and analysing them in multi-professional teams was experienced as the main source for learning insights. After calculating the diets and discussing with others, professionals felt easier about responding to the nutritional problems of the residents. After 1 year, the residents' mean energy intake had increased 21% from 1230 to 1487 kcal. Before the education none but after 1 year 16% had a good nutritional status according to the MNA.

CONCLUSIONS: We used the constructive learning theory to educate professionals. Keeping and analysing food diaries and reflecting on nutritional issues in small group discussions were effective training methods for professionals. The education had positive effects on the nutrition of the residents in dementia wards.