Three Channel Food Concept: the Effect Meal Service on Food Intake During Hospitalization

Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC)

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Protein-Energy Malnutrition; Nutrition Poor

Treatments: Other: meal service

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06399250

302653

Details and patient eligibility

About

The goal of this observational study is to assess food intake in hospitalized patients.

The present study will evaluate the impact of a novel in-hospital meal concept (three channel food concept) on total energy and protein intake, macronutrient distribution, and patient appreciation

Food intake will be assessed (as part of usual care) by weighing all leftovers (e.g. food that patients did not consume).

Full description

There are various possible strategies to increase protein intake during hospitalization, such as providing more protein-rich foods, fortifying meals and/or food products, supplementation with oral nutritional supplements (ONS), and/or providing well-timed snacks. An appropriate in-hospital meal service is regarded as a key element of the strategy to minimize deterioration of the nutritional status. Conventional hospital meals, 3 main meals a day prepared by a central kitchen, are often low in protein and energy and are not appreciated by patients due to lack of taste, colour and flavour, resulting in inadequate food intake particularly protein intake. There are a number of avenues to improve nutritional intake, with type of meal service and existence of individual contact with catering staff, like mealtime assistance, as important factors. The MUMC+ has adapted it's in-hospital meal system and the present study will evaluate the impact of this novel in-hospital meal concept (three channel food concept) on total energy and protein intake, macronutrient distribution, and patient appreciation.

The aim of this study is to assess whether a novel in-hospital meal concept can effectively increase daily total protein and energy intake during hospitalization, when compared to a historic control.

Enrollment: 102 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• >18y
• Admitted to surgical nursing wards of MUMC+
• Expected hospital stay of at least 3 days

Exclusion criteria

• Receiving (par)enteral nutrition
• "NPO" (nil per os) policy

Trial design

102 participants in 2 patient groups

current in-hospital meal service

Description:

n=102 patients admitted to the Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+) (surgical nursing wards) will be included.

Treatment:

Other: meal service

old in-hospital meal service

Description:

This will be an historic control group (data already collected in the past)