Nutrition in Wound Healing
Resource to help raise awareness of the role of nutrition in wound healing
Addressing Malnutrition - Environment
The environment in which food is provided can have an effect upon whether it is eaten. Food should be well presented and provided in a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere. If possible, patients should be encouraged to eat together (Kemp, 2001) as eating often has a social aspect.
Patients should be positioned so that they are comfortable, and should have sufficient time to eat without feeling rushed (Kemp, 2001). A glass of alcohol (i.e. wine or sherry), if not contra-indicated, may be offered prior to the meal and can act as an appetite stimulant (Wright, 2006).
How relaxing is the eating environment for your patients? Could anything be done to make the environment more conducive to eating?
