This study aims to investigate whether a novel meal service FoodforCare (FfC), comprising 6-protein-rich meals a day following proactive advice from a nutritional assistant, improves dietary intake and patient satisfaction, compared to the traditional 3-meals a day service (TMS).
The investigators performed a quasi experimental study at medical (Gastroenterology) and surgical (Gynecology, Urology, Orthopedics) wards. Patients were offered TMS (July 2015 - May 2016; n=326) or FfC meal service (after stepwise introduction per ward from January 2016 - December 2016; n=311). Primary outcome was the mean percentage of protein and energy intake relative to requirements, between patients receiving TMS and those receiving FfC, on the first and fourth day of full oral intake. Patient satisfaction comprised rating of the experienced quality of the food and the meal service and by means of a validated questionnaire.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
637
The type of meal service in the hospital (usual care)
Protein intake day 1 (gram)
The percentage of protein intake (gram) relative to requirements (1.2 gram/kilogram bodyweight) on the first day of full oral intake.
Time frame: 1 day
Protein intake day 4 (gram)
The percentage of protein intake (gram) relative to requirements (1.2 gram/kilogram bodyweight) on the fourth day of full oral intake.
Time frame: 4 days
Energy intake day 1 (kcal)
The percentage of energy intake (kcal) relative to requirements (Harris \& Benedict formula \* 1.3) on the first day of full oral intake.
Time frame: 1 day
Energy intake day 4 (kcal)
The percentage of energy intake (kcal) relative to requirements (Harris \& Benedict formula \* 1.3) on the fourth day of full oral intake.
Time frame: 4 days
Patients' satisfaction (food appreciation and access to food)
Patients completed a questionnaire on food appreciation and experiences regarding food access on the third day of full oral intake in the hospital.
Time frame: 3 day
Patients' satisfaction (food quality and meal service)
Patients completed a questionnaire in which they rated the quality of the food and the meal service (scale 0-10) on the third day of full oral intake in the hospital.
Time frame: 3 day
Change in nutritional status (body weight)
Body weight (in kg) was measured prior to meals in the morning of the first and fourth day of oral intake.
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Time frame: 4 days
Change in nutritional status (handgrip strength)
Handgrip strength (in kg) was measured prior to meals in the morning of the first and fourth day of oral intake.
Time frame: 4 days
Nutritional status (height)
Height (in cm) was measured prior to meals in the morning of the first day of oral intake.
Time frame: 1 day
Nutritional status (malnutrition universal screening tool)
Malnutrition universal screening tool (MUST)) was measured prior to meals in the morning of the first day of oral intake. Weight (kg) and height (cm) will be combined to report BMI in kg/m\^2.
Time frame: 1 day