Nutritional care of elderly patients in acute care settings: A qualitative study.

AIM Poor nutritional status is common in older adult patients. The present study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators to nutritional care of elderly patients in acute care settings. METHODS Data were collected through individual face-to-face interviews with 12 registered nurses, and analyzed using interpretive description methodology. RESULTS Two core themes emerged from the analysis of data: (i) neglected care, with three subthemes of "support but also independence," "unsupportive environment" and "responsibility of the family;" and (ii) a humanitarian ethic, with two subthemes of "respect and dignity" and "humanitarian care." CONCLUSIONS As an integral part of holistic care, elderly patient nutrition should be emphasised in health professional education, and promoted through managerial support, multidisciplinary collaborations, and implementation of appropriate monitoring and evaluation systems.