Effect of family style mealtimes on quality of life, physical performance, and body weight of nursing home residents: Cluster randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of family style mealtimes on quality of life, physical performance, and body weight of nursing home residents with chronic somatic diseases. Design: Cluster randomised trial. Setting: Five Dutch nursing homes. Participants: 178 residents (mean age 77 years). Two wards in each home were randomised to intervention (95 participants) or control groups (83). Intervention: During six months the intervention group took their meals family style and the control group received the usual individual pre-plated service. Main outcome measures: Quality of life (perceived safety; autonomy; and sensory, physical, and psychosocial functioning), gross and fine motor function, and body weight. Results: The difference in change between the groups was significant for overall quality of life (6.1 units, 95% confidence interval 2.1 to 10.3), fine motor function (1.8 units, 0.6 to 3.0), and body weight (1.5 kg, 0.6 to 2.4). Conclusion: Family style mealtimes maintain quality of life, physical performance, and body weight of nursing home residents with chronic somatic diseases. Trial registration: Clinical trials NCT00114582.