Should we implement mealtime assistance in the hospital setting? A systematic literature review with meta-analyses.

Aims And Objectives: This review aimed to determine the effect of mealtime assistance provided to hospitalised patients (≥65 years) by nurses, trained staff or volunteers on nutritional and anthropometric outcomes.

Background: Malnutrition is a critical issue in hospitals with a reported prevalence of 20-50%. Nutritional supplementation has been associated with increased weight gain, improved function and decreased mortality; however, other system approaches including mealtime assistance may also contribute to improving nutritional intake.