Traditional hospital food service involved printing paper menus, left for each patient to choose their meals for the following day. Large batches of a limited number of food items are prepared at fixed times, and delivered to each room on a standard schedule. Under this system, there is no immediate way to know whether a patient is allergic to any foods, is taking drugs that interact with foods, or what individual taste preferences may be. Patients had no control over when their meals would arrive, running the risk that they may be asleep, showering or out for a procedure when their tray is delivered. Implementing a room service meal delivery system empowers patients with a call center approach to ordering, where they can ask about preparation methods, choose from a greater selection of menu items, and schedule meal delivery in accordance with their individual preferences.
Room service meal delivery increases patient satisfaction by allowing greater control over their hospital stay. Patients are able to communicate with dietary office staff about dislikes, and with allergy and drug interaction information displayed on the ordering screen, safe alternatives can be offered and write-ins can be added. This personal service helps patients feel good about the level of care they are receiving, and having the foods they like best delivered on demand decreases food waste. Nutrition is a key factor in patient care, and hospital patients who are offered an appetizing, on demand menu, have better nutrient intake and improved outcomes. Because meal trays are delivered on-demand, patients no longer have to delay showering, or return from a procedure to find a cold, unappealing meal.
Using room service meal system software, a hospital can offer patients the option of ordering guest trays. Guests can choose items from a specially-designated guest menu or an established patient menu, and have meals delivered on demand. Having the opportunity to enjoy a meal with family or friends in a hospital setting improves patient satisfaction, recovery and overall well-being.
While room service meal delivery puts the focus on improving service and patient satisfaction, hospitals who have automated their dietary offices have found that implementing patient room service increases job satisfaction among hospitality staff. Interacting with happy patients who are receiving fresh, delicious, accurate meals demonstrates to your dietary staff that their efforts have a direct, positive impact on the lives of their patients. Vision Software offers powerful, feature-rich suites and applications to automate every aspect of the patient food service, from ordering through delivery. Call 629.777.8989 today to learn all the ways room service meal delivery can improve patient and staff satisfaction in your hospital, while reducing food costs and improving productivity and patient satisfaction.