This research study will determine the impact of the Eating Matters Program on the nutritional status of elderly patients at Joseph Brant Hospital. The Eating Matters Program at Joseph Brant Hospital is a volunteer-based feeding assistance program that aims to improve patients' nutritional intake by providing assistance during mealtimes. As research on the impact of such programs on food intake is limited in Canada, this study will explore how the Eating Matters Program influences protein and energy intake of patients at Joseph Brant Hospital. Further, this study will explore if the hypothesized increase in protein and energy intake with the initiation of the Eating Matters Program is correlated with a decreased risk of malnutrition.
Patients 65 years and over admitted to Medicine and Rehabilitation units at Joseph Brant Hospital with an anticipated stay 10-14 days
Patients with a Subjective Global Assessment score of B or C, and identified to require eating assistance
Patients able to provide consent or have a Power of Attorney to do so on their behalf
Patients that are NPO status (nothing by mouth)
Patients that require enteral or total parenteral feeding
Palliative care patients
Severe cognitive impairment
Parallel
Feeding Assistance
BehavioralPatients will be receiving assistance during mealtimes. This includes assistance by opening packages, listing/explaining the food products on the tray, providing encouragement and companionship during mealtimes and directly feed patients.
Dietary Intake
Protein and Energy Intake
Percent weight change
Participants' weight will be measured.
Handgrip strength
Handgrip strength measured using hand dynamometers.
C-Reactive Protein
C-Reactive Protein will be measured via routine lab work.
Eating Matters Program Feedback
Perceptions of program implementation and Barriers to food intake will be evaluated via feedback forms.
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Joseph Brant Hospital
Lead sponsor
Western University
Collaborator
