Catering in a large hospital – Does serving from a buffet system meet the patients' needs?

SummaryBackground & aimsIt has been suggested that serving from a buffet system may increase food intake. This observational study estimates the energy intake in a representative group of patients admitted to a hospital, where the food is served from a buffet system.MaterialOne hundred and sixteen random patients were screened according to the NRS-2002 system and the energy requirements were calculated. The type of food ordered for the patients and the energy intake were determined.ResultEighty had an NRS score of 0–2, i.e. not at nutritional risk and 36 a score ≥ 3, i.e. at nutritional risk. Among patients with NRS score ≥ 3 only 50% were ordered the correct menu. Only 50% of the patients had an energy intake <75% of their requirements. In the group of patients, who took <50% of energy requirement more than 90% came from the main courses and very little from snacks.ConclusionIn-patients at nutritional risk focus should be on ordering the correct type of food for the main courses and especially on increasing the intake from snacks.