'Between foods and medicines': A qualitative interview study of patient experiences of the meaning and usage of oral nutritional supplements

Evelina Liljeberg; Margaretha Nydahl; Elin Lövestam; Agneta Andersson

doi:10.1016/j.appet.2022.106163

'Between foods and medicines': A qualitative interview study of patient experiences of the meaning and usage of oral nutritional supplements

Appetite. 2022 Nov 1:178:106163. doi: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106163. Epub 2022 Jul 19.

Authors

Evelina Liljeberg¹, Margaretha Nydahl², Elin Lövestam³, Agneta Andersson⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Food Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics, Uppsala University, S-752 37, Uppsala, Sweden; Medical Unit Clinical Nutrition, Women's Health and Allied Health Professionals Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Norrbacka S1:04, S-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address: evelina.liljeberg@ikv.uu.se.
² Department of Food Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics, Uppsala University, S-752 37, Uppsala, Sweden. Electronic address: margaretha.nydahl@ikv.uu.se.
³ Department of Food Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics, Uppsala University, S-752 37, Uppsala, Sweden. Electronic address: elin.lovestam@ikv.uu.se.
⁴ Department of Food Studies, Nutrition and Dietetics, Uppsala University, S-752 37, Uppsala, Sweden. Electronic address: agneta.andersson@ikv.uu.se.

PMID: 35863507
DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106163

Abstract

The aim of this study was to deepen the understanding of what oral nutritional supplements mean to patients and how this meaning connects to supplement usage, by exploring patient experiences of such supplements. Qualitative interviews were conducted in June 2019-March 2020 with ten patients with malnutrition or at nutritional risk, prescribed oral nutritional supplements by dietitians. Data were thematically analysed using systematic text condensation. Two final categories were identified: 'Oral nutritional supplements are a one-dimensional remedy' and 'Everyday oral nutritional supplement usage is regulated autonomously'. The patients described the meaning of oral nutritional supplements as nutrition. While the supplements could compensate for nutrients not eaten or be part of a helpful compensation strategy, they could not lessen the burden of altered eating. Supplement usage was described as dependent on the acceptance of taste and the priority given to nutrition in everyday life. Usage was greater when nutrients were perceived as needed, such as when striving for higher bodyweight or disease recovery. Usage was lower when a patient's own goals were not increased nutrient intake or bodyweight or when other activities were perceived as more important. Patient experiences indicated that oral nutritional supplements could serve as a remedy for malnutrition, but not for a situation of altered eating. Supplement usage was described as being regulated autonomously based on patient views on the importance of nutrition. Those views were diverse, highlighting the importance of supplement prescribers discussing treatment goals with each patient. A deeper understanding of the meaning of oral nutritional supplements and reasons for their usage from a patient perspective is crucial in order for healthcare to provide appropriate, effective nutrition therapy for malnutrition.

Keywords: Disease-related malnutrition; Eating difficulties; Nutrition therapy; Oral nutritional supplements; Patient experiences; Qualitative study.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Body Weight
Dietary Supplements
Energy Intake
Humans
Malnutrition* / prevention & control
Nutritional Status
Patient Outcome Assessment
Qualitative Research