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Table 3 Coherence—real and ideal conditions for making sense of nutrition guidelines

From: Implementing nutrition guidelines for older people in residential care homes: a qualitative study using Normalization Process Theory

Real conditions

Ideal conditions

Strategies to promote coherence

Value of external guidelines questioned

Recognition that external guidelines may be a useful resource

Shift from implementing the nutrition guidelines to moving towards the guidelines

Perceived incompatibility with existing goals and priorities

Understanding of ways of improving nutrition while still offering choice and recognizing the emotional and cultural aspects of food and mealtimes

Change study title (from Healthier Eating in Care Homes to Eating for Well-being in Care Homes)

  

Keep local and traditional dishes on the menu (adapting recipes rather than menus)

  

Focus on occasional treats

Scepticism over the value of changing the diet of care home clients

Recognition of potential benefits to clients

Provide data emphasizing the short-term benefits to clients

  

Briefing meetings to introduce the nutrition guidelines to all staff