Development of an algorithm for a standard nutrition management model to derive customized diets for older adults in social welfare facilities; 사회복지시설 노인의 맞춤형 식단 도출을 위한 영양관리 표준모델 알고리즘 개발

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a standard nutrition management model for providing customized meals for older adults in social welfare facilities, based on individual health status and nutritional needs. The study also sought to suggest ways to apply this model to support social welfare meal management centers and canteens. Methods: This methodological study developed an algorithm for the standard nutrition management model based on the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation model. First, a standard nutrition management model was designed by reviewing related literature and analyzing existing nutrition management cards. Then, the field applicability of the prototype algorithm was examined in four steps. The finalized algorithm was applied to users in social welfare facilities and subsequently validated by a panel of seven experts. Results: This study developed an algorithm for a standard nutrition management model that can derive customized diets by adjusting nutrients and properties based on one general diet, reflecting individual health characteristics such as age, underlying diseases, and diet-related problems of social welfare facility users. The developed algorithm was designed for practical and efficient utilization in the field by linking it with nutrition management diagnostic content and by analyzing its applicability to each type of social welfare facility and suggesting a utilization plan accordingly. Through this comprehensive approach, this study presented an integrated and standardized nutrition management model that can be applied in various facilities. Conclusion: The newly developed standard nutrition management model can be flexibly applied to all types of social welfare facilities and is expected to contribute to healthy aging by meeting the nutritional needs of the older adults through systematic nutrition management. In the future, quantitative evaluations will be needed to confirm the reliability and validity of the algorithm, and follow-up studies will be needed to verify the effectiveness of the standard nutrition management model. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.