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

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Nutrition Poor; Protein-Energy Malnutrition
• Interventions: Other: meal service

• Registration Number: NCT06399250
• Lead Sponsor: Maastricht University Medical Center

Brief Summary

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).

Detailed 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.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2024-03-05
• Status Verified: 2024-04
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-04-30
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-04-30
• Study Start: 2024-05-01
• Study First Posted: 2024-05-03
• Last Update Posted: 2024-05-03
• Primary Completion: 2024-12-31
• Study Completion: 2024-12-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 102

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

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
current in-hospital meal service	meal service	n=102 patients admitted to the Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+) (surgical nursing wards) will be included.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
total protein intake	during hospitalization (minimal 2days max 5days)	total protein intake (g/kg/d)

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
reason hospital admission	upon hospital admission	will be derived from electronical patient dossier
Body weight upon hospital admission	upon hospital admission	body weight in kilograms
Patient appreciation	during hospitalization (minimal 2days max 5days)	Patient appreciation will be assessed using a question "what grade would you give the hospital food
total energy intake	during hospitalization (minimal 2days max 5days)	energy intake in kcal per day
macronutrient intake	during hospitalization (minimal 2days max 5days)	carbohydrate, fat and protein intake (g/day)
Body height upon hospital admission	upon hospital admission	body height in meters

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Maastricht University Medical Centre; 🇳🇱 Maastricht, Netherlands