Technology-mediated patient engagement in nutrition care - Opportunities for early intervention to support health and independence in old age

Abstract

Small, subtle changes in dietary habits can increase vulnerability for undernutrition in old age. Nutrition apps holds potential to increase awareness among older adults and health professionals about dietary challenges in old age. This study explored the feasibility of introducing a nutrition app called Appetitus in home care, and opportunities to support early interventions to manage nutritional challenges among older adults. Older adults and health care professionals were interviewed, and log data on older adults’ use were collected directly from Appetitus. Most of the older adults recorded their food and beverage consumptions in Appetitus regularly in the trial period. Support from health professionals facilitated their use of the app, and specific nutritional follow-up from health professionals helped to make older adults experience using Appetitus as meaningful. The app inspired variation and more conscious food choices in older adults’ diet, and gave the health care professionals insight into patients’ situations and revealed problems they had not been aware. In this way Appetitus supported early nutrition interventions and increased attention to health promotion.