Table 3.

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

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