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

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.