Introduction of a patient‐centred snack delivery system in a children's hospital increases patient satisfaction and decreases foodservice costs

Abstract

The aim of this article is to evaluate a new patient‐centred snack delivery system at a children's hospital, investigating patient satisfaction, cost outcomes and snack item popularity. Patient satisfaction was determined via surveys. Foodservice cost comparisons were made 6 months before and after the implementation of the snack trolley. Snack popularity was determined by recording, categorizing and ranking snacks distributed over this period. Patients/carers (75%) believed that the snack trolley service rated a four or above on a scale of 1 (not satisfied) to 5 (very satisfied). Foodservice cost savings of $AU3307 or 33.3% (P < 0.01) were observed over 6 months. Popular snacks were Arnott's Tiny Teddies [22.5% (n = 978) of the snacks distributed], followed closely by Arnott's Shapes (n = 818, 18.9%). In conclusion, a patient‐centred snack trolley in a children's hospital can increase patient satisfaction and reduce foodservice costs.

Patient satisfaction and energy intakes are enhanced by point of service meal provision

“…Twelve studies reported increased levels of patient satisfaction as a result of changed meal delivery systems 1,8,9,12,13–18 . Timing, portion size, texture, taste, temperature, variety and appropriateness of food choices were reasons stated to explain increased satisfaction with POS food delivery.…”

Comparison of three interventions in the treatment of malnutrition in hospitalised older adults: A clinical trial

“…Despite this, clear benefits exist in providing a selective in-between meal system, including enhanced choice, variety and familiarity of foods. 18,25 This is reflected by increased patient satisfaction from this intervention ( Table 3) and reinforced in the literature. 17 Appearance and palatability of foods are strong determinants of nutritional intake.…”

“…This was not dissimilar to the traditional intervention (304 kcal and 11 g protein), but substantially less than that provided by MedPass (380 kcal and 17 g protein). Despite this, clear benefits exist in providing a selective in‐between meal system, including enhanced choice, variety and familiarity of foods . This is reflected by increased patient satisfaction from this intervention (Table ) and reinforced in the literature .…”

“…A selective mid‐meal intervention, defined as provision of snacks between meals in the form of familiar snack food and beverages, lends itself to improved choice and control for the patient over selection at the point of service. This approach has been shown to improve energy intake and satisfaction when undertaken as a whole of meal service approach, and also with mid‐meal trolley alone in a paediatric setting . Dose‐feeding or the MedPass program involves the prescription of a nutrient‐dense formula (typically 2 cal/mL) on the patient's medication chart and in small aliquots several times a day.…”

“…This approach has been shown to improve energy intake and satisfaction when undertaken as a whole of meal service approach, 17 and also with mid-meal trolley alone in a paediatric setting. 18 Dose-feeding or the MedPass program involves the prescription of a nutrient-dense formula (typically 2 cal/mL) on the patient's medication chart and in small aliquots several times a day. This has demonstrated effectiveness to improve energy and nutritional intake, prevention of weight loss and/or improvements in weight status as well as a reduction in the incidence of pressure ulcers in hospital and nursing home settings.…”