Using a tablet application about nutrition in home care—Experiences and perspectives of healthcare professionals

Undernutrition is an extensive problem among patients in community care services. The literature identifies several barriers that hinder health professionals in identifying nutritional problems and providing nutrition interventions. We developed Appetitus, a tablet application (app) focused on nutrition for older adults. Patients used the app, advised by healthcare professionals. In this study with qualitative design, we explored experiences and perspectives of healthcare professionals who used Appetitus when providing home care. We interviewed 24 healthcare professionals individually and in focus groups. We subjected the data to qualitative content analysis. Healthcare professionals used Appetitus as a mediator in dialogues with patients about nutrition. Giving the older adults an active role in nutrition assessment afforded opportunities to strengthen their involvement in care. Registrations of food and drink consumption gave the healthcare professionals insight into patients’ situations and revealed problems of which the healthcare professionals had not been aware. Based on their experience with Appetitus, healthcare professionals suggested using electronic tools to assess and document the nutritional situation of a larger patient group in home care. In future use of Appetitus, healthcare professionals’ levels of knowledge and confidence when advising patients about nutrition must be emphasised and addressed. Barriers such as time constraints and limited continuity of care are also areas that require attention when new nutrition practices are implemented.