Indirect Nutrition and Mobility Risks during Hospitalization: An Architectural Perspective on the nutritionDay Study...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Design
• Patient Mobility
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Patient nutrition and mobility are influenced by complex factors, including the hospital's built environment.
• Existing research highlights the built environment's impact on patient well-being, yet its role in hospital nutrition and mobility remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between the built environment, nutrition, and mobility in general hospitals.
• To analyze findings from the nutritionDay study concerning architectural design and nutrition environments in hospital wards.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the annual nutritionDay study, a one-day cross-sectional survey.
• Collected ward-specific and patient-specific variables via online questionnaires in 31 languages.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in patient mobility was observed post-hospitalization (61.5% to 56.8%), with an increase in bedridden patients (6.5% to 11.5%).
• Longer length of stay (LOS) was associated with patients needing more assistance.
• Mobility changes correlated with alterations in eating patterns, and while many units offered extra meals, few fostered a positive eating environment (30%).

Conclusions:

• The hospital's built environment may indirectly influence patient mobility, independence, and nutritional intake.
• Findings suggest a need for improved hospital ward design and nutrition environments to support patient recovery.
• Further research is recommended to explore these complex relationships.