The effectiveness of protected mealtimes in hospital remains unclear

摘要

Implications for practice and research: There remains no evidence to support that protected mealtimes improve outcomes for hospital patients, likely due to ineffective implementation. In practice, a focus on 'assisted mealtimes' may be beneficial. Future research is warranted and should include a carefully designed implementation and evaluation approach appropriate for complex interventions. Researchers should involve patients/carers when designing trials to ensure inclusion of patient-centred outcomes.