Undernäring hos äldre patienter : En litteraturöversikt om sjuksköterskors erfarenheter

Sammanfattning

Background: Malnutrition is described as a condition of energy deficiency that impairs bodily function, increases the risk of complications, and may cause both physical and psychological suffering. The natural ageing process involves physiological changes that affect energy requirements and increase vulnerability among older patients. Structured nutritional risk assessments enable the identification of malnutrition; however, in the absence of interventions, the condition may lead to healthcare-related injuries. Older patients have been shown to have difficulty relating to the concept of malnutrition, and their self-perceived nutritional status does not always correspond with objective assessments. Aim: The aim was to describe nurses’ experiences of malnutrition among older patients. Method: A general literature review was conducted in which 13 nursing science articles were included; seven qualitative, five quantitative, and one with a mixed-methods design. Results: Five categories were identified: the importance of knowledge, preventive work, older patients’ participation, challenges in working with malnutrition, and organisational barriers. Conclusion: Nurses have basic knowledge of malnutrition; however, this knowledge is not always translated into nutritional care. Knowledge gaps regarding protein requirements, uncertainty in the use of nutritional risk assessment tools, and organisational barriers limit opportunities for identification, preventive work, and treatment of malnutrition. Older patients’ participation in nutritional care is perceived as complex, with nurses balancing older patients’ autonomy against professional nursing responsibility. At the same time, participation contributes to improved outcomes. There is a clear need for education, structure, and systematic work to improve nutritional care.