Interprofessional Management of (Risk of) Malnutrition and Sarcopenia: A Grounded Theory Study from the Perspective of Professionals

Sandra D Boxum,1,2,* Sabien H van Exter,3,* Jan-Jaap Reinders,1,4,5 Niek Koenders,6 Hans Drenth,1,7,8 Manon GA van den Berg,3 Michael Tieland,9,10 Sophie LW Spoorenberg,11 Evelyn J Finnema,12– 14 Philip J van der Wees,2,6 Harriët Jager-Wittenaar1,3,15 1Research Group Healthy Ageing, Allied Health Care and Nursing, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, the Netherlands; 2Science Department IQ Health, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; 3Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dietetics, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, the Netherlands; 4Center for Dentistry and Dental Hygiene, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; 5Research Group Interprofessional Education (IPE), Lifelong Learning, Education and Assessment Research Network (LEARN), Research Institute SHARE, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; 6Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; 7ZuidOostZorg, Organization for Elderly Care, Drachten, the Netherlands; 8Department of Primary and Long-Term Care, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; 9Center of Expertise Urban Vitality, Faculty of Sports and Nutrition, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; 10School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; 11Primary care group ‘Dokter Drenthe’, Assen, the Netherlands; 12Health Science-Nursing Science and Education, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; 13Research Group Living, Wellbeing and Care for Older People, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; 14Research Group Nursing Diagnostics, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, the Netherlands; 15Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy, Research Unit Experimental Anatomy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Sandra D Boxum, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Petrus Driessenstraat 3, 9714 CA, Groningen, the Netherlands, Email [email protected]: As our global population ages, malnutrition and sarcopenia are increasingly prevalent. Given the multifactorial nature of these conditions, effective management of (risk of) malnutrition and sarcopenia necessitates interprofessional collaboration (IPC). This study aimed to understand primary and social care professionals’ barriers, facilitators, preferences, and needs regarding interprofessional management of (risk of) malnutrition and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults.Methods: We conducted a qualitative, Straussian, grounded theory study. We collected data using online semi-structured focus group interviews. A grounded theory data analysis was performed using open, axial, and selective coding, followed by developing a conceptual model.Results: We conducted five online focus groups with 28 professionals from the primary and social care setting. We identified five selective codes: 1) Information exchange between professionals must be smooth, 2) Regular consultation on the tasks, responsibilities, and extent of IPC is needed; 3) Thorough involvement of older adults in IPC is preferred; 4) Coordination of interprofessional care around the older adult is needed; and 5) IPC must move beyond healthcare systems. Our conceptual model illustrates three interconnected dimensions in interprofessional collaboration: professionals, infrastructure, and older adults.Conclusion: Based on insights from professionals, interprofessional collaboration requires synergy between professionals, infrastructure, and older adults. Professionals need both infrastructure elements and the engagement of older adults for successful interprofessional collaboration.Keywords: malnutrition, sarcopenia, interprofessional, older adults