Hospital meals are existential asylums to hospitalized people with a neurological disease: A phenomenological–hermeneutical explorative study of the meaningfulness of mealtimes

Abstract

Aim Hospital meals are challenging for neurological patients. Patients struggle with both physical eating disabilities and social issues during mealtimes. The aim of this study was to examine the meaningfulness of the phenomenon of hospital meals for hospitalized patients with a neurological disease. Design Interviews ( N = 23) with neurological patients were analysed and interpreted to gain in‐depth comprehensive knowledge of the phenomenon of hospital mealtimes. Method Data were analysed and interpreted in a three‐phased process using a phenomenological–hermeneutic approach inspired by Paul Ricouer. Results Four themes were identified: (a) A lonely ride together with others; (b) Letting the chaotic setting fade into the background; (c) Mechanical activity with great personal significance; and (d) Humanizing the setting when eating in the hospital. Mealtimes were supporting existential moments to patients. Offering a calm mealtime setting was experienced by the patients as an asylum where uplifting and comforting feelings were raised.

Aesthetics sets patients ‘free’ to recover during hospitalization with a neurological disease. A qualitative study

“…Characteristics of most neurological diseases is that it challenges humans on its senses. It is also evident that hospitalization to the neurological unit has existential impact on people, hence, patients can experience loneliness during their stay at the hospital (Beck, et al, 2016 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 ). Recent studies have shown how patients are becoming nomads lurking around to find breathing spaces when they were not offered a calm and familiar environment (Beck et al, 2020 ).…”

“…The consequences of neurological disease can be extensive and therefore require healthcare professionals to be aware of the importance of the sensory impression to best meet the patients’ needs and wishes (Beck et al, 2020 ). Scientifically, we know that hospitalized patients with neurological symptoms are particularly sensitive to sensory disturbances that may result in experiences of loneliness and discomfort or homeliness can occur (Beck et al, , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 ).…”

Becoming a nomad when hospitalized with a neurological disease: a phenomenological study

“…The consequences of neurological disease are extensive and include the need for increased awareness of the importance of neurological patients’ surroundings and wishes (Beck, Poulsen et al 2017a , 2017b ; Beck et al, 2019 ). The importance of the environment for patients with dementia and individuals admitted to nursing homes has been described (Chaudhury et al, 2013 ), however, there is a lack of knowledge and understanding about how patients with neurological diseases experience the environment during their hospital stay (Day et al, 2000 ).…”

“…Researchers argue that the experience of wellbeing within the hospital environment is closely related to the degree the physical environment is homelike (Galvin & Todres, 2011 ; Todres & Galvin, 2010 ). In neurological care, the hospital environment is dominated by clinical sensory impressions, with less attention paid to aesthetics and homeliness (Beck et al, 2016 , Beck et al, 2019 ). In this light, the hospital environment has significant potential for optimization, making it a better setting for patients to experience more supportive and comforting care.…”

Using clinical quality databases to monitor the quality of fundamental care: Example with weight status after severe traumatic brain injury

“…In individuals with TBI, sufficient nutrition in the initial time after the injury is crucial as it improves rehabilitation outcomes in terms of survival and disability (Perel, Edwards, Wentz, & Roberts, 2006). The provision of sufficient nutritional care in patients with severe TBI requires a range of fundamental nursing competences, including knowledge of increased nutritional requirement during the initial period after the injury (Foley, Marshall, Pikul, Salter, & Teasell, 2008), identification of specific eating‐related problems, establishing individualised nutritional care plans, monitoring intake and weight, coordination of assessments and interventions in the interdisciplinary team, access to food, aesthetics of the meals and eating environment and ensuring that patients receive the support required in order to maintain their nutritional status (Beck, Birkelund, Poulsen, & Martinsen, 2019; Beck, Martinsen, Poulsen, & Birkelund, 2016; Costello, Lithander, Gruen, & Williams, 2014; Holst et al, 2017; Jefferies, Johnson, & Ravens, 2011; Perry, Hamilton, Williams, & Jones, 2013)…”