Fast-Food Outlets in Hospitals Affiliated With U.S. Medical Schools

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Administration
• Public Health Nutrition
• Medical Education Environment

Background:

• The hospital food environment significantly impacts patient and staff well-being.
• Previous studies indicated a high prevalence of fast-food outlets in teaching hospitals.
• Assessing the current landscape is crucial for evaluating progress in improving hospital food environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the current prevalence and types of fast-food outlets at medical-school-affiliated hospitals.
• To compare current findings with historical data to track changes in hospital food environments.
• To gauge medical student perceptions regarding fast-food presence in hospitals.

Main Methods:

• A nationwide survey was distributed to medical students at 192 medical and osteopathic schools.
• Students reported on the presence and types of fast-food restaurants affiliated with their main teaching hospitals.
• Data analysis focused on prevalence, common chains, and student attitudes towards these outlets.

Main Results:

• Out of 146 responding schools, 69.2% reported at least one fast-food restaurant affiliated with their teaching hospitals.
• Starbucks (27.9%) and Subway (18.8%) were the most frequently reported fast-food outlets.
• A significant majority of students (56.8%) disagreed that fast-food restaurants are acceptable in hospitals.

Conclusions:

• The majority of medical school-affiliated teaching hospitals continue to host fast-food restaurants.
• Student opinions largely oppose the presence of fast-food outlets within hospital settings.
• Further efforts are needed to create healthier hospital food environments.