Accessing hospital packaged food: seated posture when eating

Honey sachets, cheese portions, foil sealed thickened pudding and tetra packs were the most difficult packs to open, with 15% of cheese portions unable to be opened in either the bed or chair posture. Although grip strength was consistent for each posture, pinch grips and dexterity were adversely affected by the bed posture. Lying in a hospital bed required greater pinch strength and dexterity to open packs.
The present study demonstrates that eating in a seated posture is advantageous for opening the food and beverage packs used in the NSW hospital food service and supports the notion that patients should sit to eat in hospital (Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 12 October 2016).
Click here for an abstract of the article.

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