Identification of gaps in knowledge and professional practice in geriatric anorexia

Abstract

Objective: To identify gaps in healthcare professionals’ understanding and management of geriatric anorexia. Methods: Mixed methods, including discussions with experts through focus-group interviews and a digital survey distributed to healthcare professionals. Results: A total of 192 healthcare professionals completed the survey. Of these, 65.1% acknowledged a uniform definition of geriatric anorexia, defining it as a reduction in appetite and/or food intake; 93.2% identified depression as the most significant risk factor, and 91.1%, cognitive changes or dementia; 64.9% of respondents expressed confidence in providing nutritional recommendations, 57.8% in suggesting physical activity and 81.8% in involving caregivers (family members) in supporting older adults with anorexia; 76% of clinicians assessed appetite during each visit; the tools most often used to screen older adults for appetite loss included informal clinical interview (52.6%) and the Mini-Nutritional Assessment Short Form (40.1%); management focused primarily on recommending oral nutritional supplements (75%) and prescribing nutritional counseling (74.5%). Conclusion: Our findings highlight the challenges in caring for older adults with or at risk of geriatric anorexia. Identifying differences in practices among healthcare professionals and within healthcare teams can inform future healthcare education efforts. Keywords: anorexia, geriatrics, assessment, health personnel.