Patients' experiences eating in a hospital - A qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare research
• Patient experience studies
• Nutritional science

Background:

• Hospitalized patients frequently experience unintended weight loss.
• Nutritional intake is influenced by various complex factors during hospitalization.
• Existing nutritional interventions may not fully address patient needs and experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify patient experiences related to eating situations during hospital stays.
• To understand patient wishes and needs concerning meals in a hospital environment.
• To inform strategies for improving patient nutrition and meal satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Conducted twenty individual, semi-structured interviews with hospitalized patients.
• Included participants aged 18+, cognitively and linguistically capable, and able to consume food.
• Ensured broad participant representation by selecting based on sex, age, and department.

Main Results:

• Patients reported varied experiences, categorized into 'The care relationship,' 'Meeting the system,' 'Influence from the surroundings,' and 'Social interaction/physical discomfort.'
• The patient-provider relationship was identified as essential, with experiences ranging from supportive to dismissive interactions.
• Hospital environment factors, such as medical equipment and seating comfort, significantly impacted appetite and eating.
• Social dynamics with other patients influenced meal preferences, with some desiring company and others preferring privacy.

Conclusions:

• Individualized meal settings are important for hospitalized patients.
• Strengthening the patient-provider relationship is key to improving meal experiences and nutritional intake.
• Addressing environmental and social factors can enhance patient satisfaction with hospital meals.