Evaluating physiological barriers to oral intake in hospitalized patients: A secondary analysis

Oral intake in hospitalized patients is frequently below estimated targets. Multiple physiological symptoms are proposed to impact oral intake, yet many have not been quantified objectively.

To describe the challenges of objectively measuring physiological nutrition-impacting symptoms in hospitalized patients.

A secondary analysis of data from a single-center, descriptive cohort study of physiological nutrition-impacting symptoms in intensive care unit (ICU) survivors and general medical patients was conducted. Demographic and clinical characteristics were extracted for patients who completed the original study and collected retrospectively for those who were screened and recruited but did not complete the original study. Reasons for patient exclusion from the original study were quantified from the screening database. Descriptive data are reported as mean ± SD, median [interquartile range], or number (percentage).

ICU survivors and general medical patients were screened for inclusion in the original study between March 1 and December 23, 2021. Of the 644 patients screened, 97% did not complete the study, with 93% excluded at screening. Of the 266 ICU survivors and 398 general medical patients screened, 89% and 95% were excluded, respectively. Major exclusion criteria included the inability to follow commands or give informed consent (n = 155, 25%), the inability to consume the easy-to-chew and thin-fluid buffet meal, and imminent discharge (both, n = 120, 19%).

Understanding physiological factors that drive reduced oral intake in hospitalized patients is challenging. Exclusion criteria required to objectively quantify physiological nutrition-impacting symptoms significantly preclude participation and likely act as independent barriers to oral intake.