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Plate waste producing situations on nursing wards.
E J Deutekom1, H Philipsen, F Ten Hoor
1Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Limburg, Maastricht, Holland.
International Journal of Nursing Studies
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Disruptions during mealtimes correlate with increased plate waste in hospitals. Creating a quiet meal environment is essential for patient appetite and reducing food waste.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare quality improvement
- Hospital patient experience
- Nutrition and dietetics
Background:
- Textbooks recommend a quiet, relaxed atmosphere for patient mealtimes.
- Existing literature often overlooks the impact of environmental interferences on meal consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between mealtime interferences and the quantity of plate waste.
- To assess the impact of the hospital environment on patient appetite and food intake.
Main Methods:
- Employed an exploratory research design.
- Collected data on patient status, mealtime environment, and plate waste.
- Study conducted on a medical unit within an academic teaching hospital.
Main Results:
- Mealtime environmental conditions frequently failed to meet prescribed standards for a relaxed atmosphere.
- Significant positive correlation observed between plate waste and the movement of various hospital personnel (laboratory, housekeeping, physicians) and visitors.
- Identified loss of appetite as a factor linked to environmental interferences.
Conclusions:
- Hospital mealtime environments are often disruptive, negatively impacting patient nutrition.
- Reducing interferences during mealtimes could decrease plate waste and improve patient outcomes.
- Further research is warranted to explore strategies for optimizing the mealtime environment.