There’s nothing like coming into the hospital for an extended stay and finding out that the hospital menu is tastier than you expected. As The Huffington Post reported, the days of standard gelatin snack cups may be gone – more hospitals are paying attention to what they serve out of their kitchens to boost patient satisfaction.
In the past, hospitals have developed a poor reputation for the food they serve to patients who are on the mend. However, this appears to be history as more facilities move toward delectable food options to suit patients’ wants and needs.
“It’s one thing to cook in a restaurant and get excited about everybody coming to your restaurant and loving your food,” Pnina Peled, an experienced restaurant chef turned hospital food provider, told the news source. “But it’s another thing to know that these people who have eating challenges, have taste issues, have nausea and sometimes vomiting actually look forward to what I do – look forward to eating here. You don’t normally look forward to eating at a hospital.”
Boosting patient satisfaction through food
Hospitals and other medical facilities can make a difference through their menus by taking a few extra steps before serving food to patients. For example, adding fresh fruit such as strawberries to a plain bowl of cereal can go a long way, according to the Lutheran Health Network. Using fiber-rich, tasty whole wheat bread instead of the standard white can make a big difference in a small meal as well.
Another way to wow patients is to keep the menu seasonal, according to Food Management. This means putting pumpkin soup on the menu around autumn to show people that you’re putting in the extra effort to satisfy them during their stay.
Finally, hospitals can make a memorable impression on patients by adding a brand name next to an item on the menu. For example, offering a specific type of bread from a well-known company can give patients familiarity and peace of mind. It can also potentially boost the reputation of the medical facility and let people know that they’re getting top notch food.
While patient satisfaction is something that can’t be altered overnight, taking small steps over time can lead to positive results. In the end, making an effort can garner more appreciation and help a medical facility remain competitive.