Does the Access to Small Delicious Dishes, Have a Positive Effect on Nutritional Intake in Patients at Nutritional Risk?

Does the Access to Small Delicious Dishes, 24 Hours a Day, Have a Positive Effect on Nutritional Intake in Patients at Nutritional Risk?

Rationale:

The objective of this study was to investigate whether a new energy dense food concept, on order 24 hours a day, would lead to a minimum 75% intake of nutritional needs in patients at nutritional risk. The investigators target was for 70% of patients to reach 75% of their energy and protein requirements.

Methods:

An intervention study was conducted with inclusion of 40 patients at nutritional risk, according to the NRS-2002 criteria. The food concept consisted of 36 small delicious dishes. Patients could choose food from both the new concept and the ordinary patient buffet. The investigators monitored patients' nutritional requirements and daily nutritional intake.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients at nutritional risk, according to the NRS-2002 criteria.
• patient must be able to understand the information and be able to give a written inform consent
• well-functioning gastrointestinal tract
• Anticipated length of hospitalization > 5 days
• Should understand and speak danish

Exclusion Criteria:

• Terminal patients
• patients with dysphagia
• patient with food allergy or intolerance
• patients who only receives enteral or parenteral nutrition