Experimental Comparison of Efficacy for Three Handfeeding Techniques in Dementia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Nursing home (NH) residents who require assistance during mealtimes are at risk for malnutrition. Supportive handfeeding is recommended, yet there is limited evidence supporting use of a specific handfeeding technique to increase meal intake.

Objectives

To compare efficacy of three handfeeding techniques for assisting NH residents with dementia with meals: Direct Hand (DH), Over Hand (OH), and Under Hand (UH).

Design

A prospective pilot study using a within-subjects experimental Latin square design with randomization to one of three handfeeding technique sequences.

Setting and participants

30 residents living with advanced dementia in 11 U.S. NHs.

Measurements

Time required for assistance; meal intake (% eaten); and feeding behaviors, measured

SUBMITTER: Batchelor-Murphy MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5397360 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature