Efficacy of serving bedside in-between meals – An intervention study in three medical departments

SummaryBackground & aimsIn-between meals (I-BM) and supplements are needed in nutrition risk patients, however often not served. The aim of this study was to increase energy (E)- and protein (P) intake and to investigate associations between food intake and clinical outcome.InterventionA manned trolley served I-BM including supplements to patients at bedside in three medical departments (haematology, gastroenterology and infectious disease). Nutrition intake was registered before and after intervention.Clinical outcomeLOS, 6 months mortality and patient satisfaction were investigated. Independent samples test and Pearson's chi-square test were used for comparisons; logistic regression analysis and Kaplan Meyers plot for outcome.ResultsThe study included 628 registration days of E/P intake in 276 patients (111 before and 165 after). No increase in total E − or P intake was found. Reduced oral intake (<50%) was associated to a four times higher mortality (p < 0.05), not to LOS. Overall patients expressed a positive attitude to the intervention.ConclusionEnergy and protein intake was not increased by intensified I-BM. Insufficient energy and protein intake were both related to increased mortality.