The CURTAIN feasibility study: Exploring a food-themed reminiscence theatre intervention to improve the nutrition of older adults living in residential care homes

Abstract

Reminiscence theatre (RT), an applied drama technique, is an effective tool for improving health-related outcomes for older adults in clinical settings. However, no research has explored the potential for a food-themed RT intervention to improve the nutrition, health and wellbeing of this population. Therefore, the current study explored the feasibility and acceptability of such an intervention – the CURTAIN intervention – in residential care-homes. Two care-homes, their residents and staff were recruited to a cluster randomised crossover feasibility study with post-hoc interviews. Over two months, participants (n = 42) took part in the CURTAIN activity and a control activity before consuming their lunch, with momentary hunger, activity/meal enjoyment, and food intake measured around each activity. Continuation to a full-scale trial was assessed against progression criteria for data-collection-sheet completion and residents' enjoyment of the intervention. The intervention was highly enjoyed by residents (median score = 8/10), with only 1% of data-collection cells blank. Attrition rate was 5% and preliminary data suggest CURTAIN has the potential to improve residents’ appetite and energy intake. Aspects of evaluation design and recruitment strategy to optimise sample diversity require some amendments; however, overall, the CURTAIN intervention is feasible and acceptable to care-home residents and staff, and a full intervention evaluation is warranted.