SUMMARYBackground Nitrous oxide gas (N 2 O) has been proposed as an alternative to intravenous (i.v.) analgesia in patients undergoing lower gastrointestinal endoscopy.
This study highlights the challenges of TEP form completion. The impact of our intervention appeared to raise awareness of advanced care planning. The information contained in our leaflet could be distributed in more innovative ways to ensure patients unable to access textual information are able to receive this message.
Introduction Early postoperative nutrition is of clinical benefit. However, patients are often initially reluctant to eat after surgery. Dysguesia and alterations in food preference are often reported. We conducted a study to describe perioperative changes in taste and food preference with a view to being able to optimise food choices and thus improve intake. Methods Patients undergoing colorectal surgery were recruited. Three sets of tests were conducted, pre-operatively and on postoperative days (POD) 1, 2 & 3. In Test 1, patients were asked to rate the palatability (Horrible-Nice, using Likert scales (0-100%)) of a nutritional supplement flavoured with 'standard' concentrations of the 6 core tastes (sweet, sour, salt, bitter, spicy & savoury). In Test 2, patients were shown photos of foods representative of the core tastes and asked to rate them in terms of appeal. Test 3, snack box containing representative foods of the core tastes were rated by patients. Differences from baseline were assessed using t-tests. Results 31 patients completed the study, M:F = 21:10, median age of 72 (33-82). Test 1, enhanced taste from baseline was seen on POD1 (p < 0.01) for salty, sweat & spicy taste figure 1. Test 2, only salty food (popcorn) scored higher (p < 0.01) than baseline (figure 2) all other foods scored lower. Foods representing bitter and sour exhibited the greatest decline (40.4% for gherkins, 38.7% for grapefruit). Test 3, patients rated sweat (fudge) 63%, salty (crackers) 50% best at POD 1 (p < 0.01) and sour (gherkins) 22%, spicy (Bombay mix) 16% worst. With all 3 Tests, scores reverted to baseline by POD 3.
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