Design of a Food Preference Assessment Tool for Older Patients in Geriatrics units_DYSPHAGING-PREFERENCES
This research wants to develop a helpful tool to understand what older patients in hospital, particularly those with swallowing difficulties, enjoy eating. Swallowing problems can make it hard for older people to eat enough and get all the nutrients they need, sometimes leading to poorer health. By creating a way to properly assess their food preferences, doctors and nurses can better plan meals that patients will enjoy and find easier to eat. This will help prevent malnutrition and improve their overall health during their hospital stay. The study involves creating, testing, and then using this new tool to look at how food preferences differ among older patients based on their health needs.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is about making sure older people in hospitals, especially those who have trouble swallowing, get food they enjoy and that is good for their health. When older people have difficulty swallowing, it's called dysphagia. This can make them avoid certain foods, which might mean they don't get all the goodness they need. Over time, this can lead to feeling weak, getting sick more often, or even other health problems like issues with their heart.
At the moment, we know it's important to increase energy and protein for older people who aren't eating enough. However, we don't always pay enough attention to whether they actually like the food or if it's easy for them to eat, especially when their diet needs to be changed because of swallowing problems. This study wants to change that by developing a special questionnaire or tool to find out exactly what foods older patients prefer.
The researchers will create this tool, make sure it's accurate and reliable when used multiple times, and then use it to understand how food preferences vary among different older patients in hospital. This information will be really valuable in helping hospitals make better meal choices, ensuring patients get tasty, safe food that helps them stay healthy and recover well.
Key takeaways
- This study focuses on understanding food preferences in older hospital patients.
- It aims to help patients with swallowing difficulties eat better and stay healthy.
- Participation involves answering a simple questionnaire about food choices.
- There are no physical risks involved, nor any changes to your medication or care.
- The goal is to improve future meal planning in hospitals for older people.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you need to be over 70 years old and currently staying in a hospital ward that cares for older people. You must also be able to understand what the study is about and agree to take part, or if you have a guardian, they must understand and agree for you.
However, you cannot take part if you are unable to answer a questionnaire because of your health, or if you are completely unable to eat food by mouth. The researchers want to hear from people who can tell them about their food preferences.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- I am aged 70 or older.
- I am currently a patient in an older persons' care ward in hospital.
- I am able to answer questions about what I like to eat.
- I am able to eat food by mouth (even if it's altered in texture).
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you won't need to make extra visits. The study will happen while you are already in the hospital. You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your food preferences. This questionnaire is designed to be easy to understand. There are no medications involved, and no special follow-up visits after you leave the hospital for this study. The total duration of your participation would involve the time it takes to complete the questionnaire.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
- Hopital Pierre GARRAUD Unité de Soins Médicaux et de RéadaptationVerified postcodeLyon, France· Not yet recruiting
- Groupement hospitalier Sud Court Séjour de GériatrieVerified postcodePierre-Bénite, France· Recruiting
- Groupement hospitalier Sud Unité de Soins Médicaux et de RéadaptationVerified postcodePierre-Bénite, France· Not yet recruiting
Common questions
What is 'dysphagia'?
Dysphagia is the medical term for having difficulty swallowing. It can make eating certain foods hard or even unsafe.
Why is it important to know what foods I prefer?
Knowing your food preferences helps ensure you get meals you enjoy and are more likely to eat, which is vital for getting enough nutrients and staying healthy, especially when you're in hospital.
Will I have to eat anything special for this 'study'?
No, you will not have to eat anything special or different from your usual hospital meals for this study. You will only be asked questions about what you like to eat.
How long will it take to complete the questionnaire?
The questionnaire is designed to be manageable. The exact time will vary for each person, but it won't be a long process.
Will this study change my hospital care?
This particular study aims to develop a tool for future improvements. Your current hospital care will not be directly changed by your participation in this research.
How to find out more
Marion MERDINIAN, Dr
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.