Key Message

One randomized controlled trial (RCT) and two non-randomized studies were identified regarding the clinical effectiveness of meal delivery nutrition programs for community-dwelling older adults. Low quality evidence from one RCT and one single-arm non-randomized study showed that meal delivery nutrition programs may improve loneliness among older adults. The same single-arm study showed a positive association between meal delivery nutrition programs and self-reported well-being. Frequency of meal delivery does not appear to be a factor. Low quality evidence from one controlled non-randomized study showed that a meal delivery nutrition program was not associated with perceived improvement in quality of life among community-dwelling older adults. No evidence regarding independence or other mental health or psychosocial outcomes was identified.

Key Message

Six evidence-based guidelines and 1 systematic review of evidence-based guidelines were identified regarding antimicrobial stewardship programs.​​

Key Message

In community-dwelling older adults who wore hip protectors there was no difference in the risk of hip fractures or pelvic fractures, compared to those who did not wear hip protectors.

Three guidelines were identified that include recommendations around the use of hip protectors in older adults. One guideline suggests that hip protectors should be considered in adults at risk for falls and hip fracture. One guideline conditionally recommends hip protectors for frail older adults in the appropriate environment. One guideline suggests that hip protectors should not be considered in older adults in community settings.

Key Message

Two systematic reviews and 1 non-randomized study were identified regarding the clinical evidence supporting the use of an integrated palliative care approach/model for adults requiring palliative care in any setting.

Two evidence-based guidelines associated with the use of an integrated palliative care approach/model for adults requiring palliative care in any setting were identified.

Key Message

One systematic review and 1 randomized controlled trial were identified regarding the clinical effectiveness of cleansing wipes versus basic cleansing for patients requiring bathing in acute care or long-term care settings.

Key Message

Two systematic reviews and 1 non-randomized study were identified regarding the clinical effectiveness of midazolam for adult patients receiving palliative care. Three evidence-based guidelines were identified regarding the administration of midazolam for adult patients receiving palliative care.

Key Message

The results of 1 systematic review suggest that supplementation with vitamin D may provide some benefit for cancer-related mortality in older adults. It is unclear whether there is a benefit of vitamin D supplementation for all-cause mortality; however, no benefit was found for cardiovascular disease mortality, cardiovascular disease events, or cancer incidence.

There is limited and mixed evidence on the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation for dementia and mild cognitive impairment in older adults.

The results of 1 systematic review suggest that vitamin D supplementation may provide protection against acute respiratory infections in the overall population; however, this result was not significant in the subgroup of patients older than 65 years.

No evidence-based guidelines were identified regarding vitamin D supplementation for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and other conditions in elderly patients residing in long-term care facilities.