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

Summary Background & aims In-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. Intervention A 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 outcome LOS, 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. Results The 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 ( p Conclusion Energy and protein intake was not increased by intensified I-BM. Insufficient energy and protein intake were both related to increased mortality.