The Role and Meaning of Hospital Food for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Patients

This study explored the perceptions of former Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) hospital patients and carers regarding the role and meaning of hospital food during hospitalisation and recovery.

Using a descriptive qualitative design guided by a social constructionist approach, four focus groups (n = 28) were conducted with participants from Asian, Mediterranean, Arabic, and Indian Subcontinent communities at a major Australian metropolitan health service. Purposively recruited participants included former inpatients or caregivers who discussed their experiences in face-to-face focus groups.

Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: (1) Familiar food as a source of comfort in an unfamiliar environment, (2) Cultural traditions as wisdom for health and healing, and (3) Food as a contributor to physical recovery. Findings highlight the multifaceted role of culturally appropriate hospital food beyond basic nutrition, including its ability in supporting emotional well-being, cultural identity, and physical healing when feeling already vulnerable amid the unfamiliar daily activities of hospital wards.

Hospital food plays an important role in comfort, cultural identity, and recovery for CALD patients. Culturally responsive food services may enhance patient experiences, support recovery, and contribute to more equitable healthcare delivery.