What Is the Current Direction for Hospital Room Service?

Abstract

Hospital foodservice has dramatically changed over the years from bland, no-frills meals to meals with a high-end restaurant flair. Research findings indicate foodservice quality is correlated with overall patient satisfaction. According to a Press Ganey survey in 2003, hospital food quality ranked lowest of 10 items measured on a scale of satisfaction (1). Some hospital foodservice departments have implemented a room-service, cook-to-order menu for improving their patient satisfaction ratings. Information presented at the Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE) 2011 poster session stated “the addition of room service to a health care delivery system may increase patient satisfaction scores between 8-9 percent” (2).