Insights towards formation of management framework for persons with age-related appetite loss: a qualitative analysis of interviews with healthcare professionals.

Authors

Anna Rudzińska, Robert Kupis, Barbara Gryglewska, Jerzy Gąsowski, Karolina Piotrowicz

Published in

European geriatric medicine. Jul 05, 2026. Epub Jul 05, 2026.

Abstract

Loss of appetite is frequent in older patients. However, currently there are no internationally recognised guidelines for management of affected patients. Owing to its multifactorial pathophysiology, treatment should involve wide range of healthcare professionals (HCPs) working in a team. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to gather insights concerning appetite loss management from medical professionals working with older adults.
We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 medical professionals, transcribed them verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis approach.
We identified five main themes that included diagnostic challenges in patients' identification and assessment, therapeutic approach to appetite disturbances, involvement of caregivers and healthcare professionals, the interplay between appetite loss and hospital setting, and narratives on appetite. Regardless of their profession, the participants shared a wide variety of diagnostic and management strategies to address appetite loss. They emphasised the importance of performing treatment within a coordinated interdisciplinary team and the need to raise awareness levels among HCPs, caregivers and the patients. For some HCPs, their personal experiences with appetite loss were an important source of insight.
There is a pressing need to implement standardised approaches, that would orchestrate the macro, mezo and micro level actions to address the issue of appetite loss in older patients. Our results, in the context of earlier and ongoing studies, should inform future systemic approaches to the management of appetite loss in older patients across different clinical settings.

PMID:
42402081
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 05 Jul 2026.

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