The perspectives of patients and their families remain largely unheard in mealtime assistance research

摘要

Implications for practice and research: Where practice aims to increase nutritional intake of hospitalised older patients, evidence exists to support implementation of some interventions included in this review (eg, mealtime assistance programmes), but not all (eg, Protected Mealtimes). The perspective of the patient and their family has been underutilised in mealtime assistance research. Future studies investigating mealtime interventions should consider the inclusion of the patients' voice through qualitative approaches and/or quality of life measures. Context: Malnutrition in healthcare settings is a complex and multifactorial problem arising from multiple causes including poor appetite, inadequate nutritional intake and the primary diagnosis itself. Identification of patients at risk of malnutrition through nutritional screening and assessment has become an integral component of healthcare systems, while numerous strategies aim to reduce the prevalence of malnutrition. These include foodservice interventions (such as high-energy and high-protein menu items, and use of oral nutrition support products) and ward-based interventions (including mealtime assistance and Protected Mealtimes).