Page 201 - Petelin, Ana. 2021. Ed. Zdravje starostnikov / Health of the Elderly. Proceedings. Koper: University of Primorska Press.
P. 201
https://doi.org/10.26493/978-961-293-129-2.199-206
Recognizing the importance of nutrition
counseling for the elderly with COPD
in primary care
Mateja Šimec
University of Novo mesto, Faculty of Health Sciences, Novo mesto, Slovenia
mateja.simec@uni-nm.si
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) alters
a person‘s metabolic processes and increases the need for energy and
protein intake, while metabolism and muscle wasting are also affected
by the aging process. A patient with COPD is at risk of malnutrition,
therefore the medical staff in the family practise also plays an important
role in the orderly and well-managed disease. Methods: The studyh was
based on a qualitative approach, the method of description. A semi-
structured interview template was used as a measurement tool to collect
data for the empirical part of the study. The study was conducted among
nurses and paramedics at a health center. There were 7 participants in
the stusy who are involved in the treatment of COPD patients. Results:
The study revealed that the respondents‘ perception of the importance
of nutritional counseling for older adults with COPD was low, which
was reflected in the inadequate information provided to COPD patients
on appropriate nutrition for their disease. The findings of the study
also revealed that the respondents were aware of their role as health
educators in the management of COPD patients, but self-assessment
to have inadequate knowledge about proper nutrition in COPD, citing
lack of opportunities to attend training on the subject. Discussion
and conclusion: Weight loss in a COPD patient is associated with an
increased risk of complications and mortality. Therefore, it is critical to
identify older adults COPD patients because of the dangers associated
with malnutrition and to recognize those with a pre-existing condition.
Nutritional support (alongside appropriate physical activity) is the
foundation for quality rehabilitation of patients with COPD, with a
key role played by competent healthcare professionals involved in the
comprehensive management of patients with COPD.
Keywords: COPD, nutrition, health education, patient
Recognizing the importance of nutrition
counseling for the elderly with COPD
in primary care
Mateja Šimec
University of Novo mesto, Faculty of Health Sciences, Novo mesto, Slovenia
mateja.simec@uni-nm.si
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) alters
a person‘s metabolic processes and increases the need for energy and
protein intake, while metabolism and muscle wasting are also affected
by the aging process. A patient with COPD is at risk of malnutrition,
therefore the medical staff in the family practise also plays an important
role in the orderly and well-managed disease. Methods: The studyh was
based on a qualitative approach, the method of description. A semi-
structured interview template was used as a measurement tool to collect
data for the empirical part of the study. The study was conducted among
nurses and paramedics at a health center. There were 7 participants in
the stusy who are involved in the treatment of COPD patients. Results:
The study revealed that the respondents‘ perception of the importance
of nutritional counseling for older adults with COPD was low, which
was reflected in the inadequate information provided to COPD patients
on appropriate nutrition for their disease. The findings of the study
also revealed that the respondents were aware of their role as health
educators in the management of COPD patients, but self-assessment
to have inadequate knowledge about proper nutrition in COPD, citing
lack of opportunities to attend training on the subject. Discussion
and conclusion: Weight loss in a COPD patient is associated with an
increased risk of complications and mortality. Therefore, it is critical to
identify older adults COPD patients because of the dangers associated
with malnutrition and to recognize those with a pre-existing condition.
Nutritional support (alongside appropriate physical activity) is the
foundation for quality rehabilitation of patients with COPD, with a
key role played by competent healthcare professionals involved in the
comprehensive management of patients with COPD.
Keywords: COPD, nutrition, health education, patient
