Effects of Dieticians’ Individualized Visits along with Multi-disciplinary Team Care for Older Adults Living at Home or in Nursing Homes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

Purpose: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of individualized visits of a dietician along with multi-disciplinary team care for older adults living at home or in nursing homes.

Method: An extensive literature search of English and Japanese databases was conducted in January 2019. The inclusion criteria for the literature review comprised studies that were: i) randomized controlled trials, ii) interventions for older adults aged ≥65 living at home or at a nursing home, iii) interventions wherein dieticians visit individuals at home or in nursing homes along with multi-disciplinary team care, iv) comparisons of interventions without dieticians’ individualized visits.

Results: Six original articles were included in the review. Meta-analysis findings indicate that the intervention had a positive correlation with factors such as weight, dietary intake and quality of life (QOL) among older adults.

Conclusion: Individualized visits of a dietician in multi-disciplinary team care for older adults living at home or in nursing homes could improve nutritional status, dietary intake and QOL however, the evidence is limited.