Exploring mealtimes on subacute care wards using an ethnographic approach

Adequate food intake is important for general health and wellbeing, but even more so for promoting healing and recovery amongst hospitalised patients. Around half of all patients are malnourished or at risk of malnutrition, leading to poorer health outcomes and increased healthcare costs. This research used observation, interviews and focus groups to explore mealtimes on two hospital wards, including the mealtime environment and the practices of staff, volunteers and visitors. The findings provided insight into mealtime complexity and the challenges that staff face, facilitating the design and implementation of interventions to improve the nutritional care of patients into the future.