Outcomes of Home Health Care Nurses' Use of Nutrition Assessment Monitoring Sheets and Case Studies with a Registered Dietitian

Abstract

Purpose：Outcomes related to home health care nurses' use of nutrition assessment and monitoring sheets are evaluated, along with those of case studies with registered dietitians.

Method：For this study, we examined nine home health care nurses who used the Nutrition Assessment and Monitoring Sheet (nutrition sheet). Also, we conducted case studies with registered dietitians. After conducting semi-structured group interviews with them, their data were analyzed by qualitative coding.

Results：All study subjects were female. They were 40–70 years old. Outcomes of the use of nutrition sheets and case studies with dietitians were the following: [Recognition of the importance of information necessary for food and nutrition support], [Clarification of the relation between the processes and issues of the patient], [Implementation of continuous support based on evidence], and [Promotion of a food and nutrition support network through collaboration with dietitians].

Conclusion：The home care nurses' use of the nutrition sheet and their collaboration with the registered dietitian through advice at the case study meeting with the dietitian led to clarification of guidance on food and nutrition related issues for the convalescent patients. Use of the nutrition sheet promoted sustainable and effective support.