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Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 85 views

The Effect of Food Services on Inpatient Satisfaction in Aceh Tamiang District General Hospital

Introduction

Food services in hospitals play a vital role in the healing process of patients. A well-planned and executed food service can not only improve patient satisfaction but also contribute to a speedy recovery. Unfortunately, many hospitals struggle to provide quality food services, leading to patient dissatisfaction. In the Regional General Hospital of Aceh Tamiang Regency, as many as 60% of 120 complaints that entered through the Suggestion Box in 2009 related to food services. These complaints included delays in food, difficulty asking for additional drinking water, and lack of cleaning utensils. This article aims to explore the effect of food services on inpatient satisfaction in Aceh Tamiang District General Hospital.

Background

Food services in hospitals are a critical aspect of patient care. A good food service can improve patient satisfaction, reduce hospital-acquired infections, and promote a speedy recovery. However, the quality of food services in many hospitals is subpar, leading to patient dissatisfaction. In Aceh Tamiang District General Hospital, the low quality of food services was attributed to various factors, including menu variations, presentation, timeliness, conditions of places and cutlery, and the attitudes and behavior of officers. To understand the effect of food services on patient satisfaction, a study was conducted using the Explanatory Survey Method.

Methodology

The study involved 92 inpatients who were randomly selected from 1,987 patients in Aceh Tamiang District Hospital. Data was collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using multiple linear regression tests. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to food services, including menu variations, presentation, timeliness, conditions of places and cutlery, and the behavior of officers who serve food. The results of the study were analyzed to determine the relationship between food services and patient satisfaction.

Results

The results of the study showed a close relationship between food services and patient satisfaction. Menu variations, ways of presentation, timeliness, place conditions and cutlery, and the behavior of officers who serve food all had a significant effect on patient satisfaction. Interestingly, further analysis showed that the conditions of the place and cutlery had the most significant effect on patient satisfaction (β = 2,304). This suggests that the physical environment and the cleanliness of utensils play a crucial role in patient satisfaction.

Discussion

The results of this study have several implications for the management of Aceh Tamiang District Hospital. Firstly, the hospital should refer to the Hospital Nutrition Services Guidelines (PGRS) in preparing food service menus and procedures. This will ensure that the food service is standardized and meets the nutritional needs of patients. Secondly, the hospital should provide training to nutrition officers to increase their knowledge and skills in providing quality services. This will enable them to provide better food services and improve patient satisfaction.

Thirdly, the hospital should improve its facilities and infrastructure, including the procurement of clean and safe eating utensils, as well as ensuring the availability of clean water for 24 hours. This will create a clean and safe environment for patients to eat and drink. Fourthly, the Head of Nutrition Installation should increase direct supervision of food services in the inpatient room. This will ensure that food services are provided in a timely and efficient manner. Finally, food presenters must pay more attention to the conditions of the place and eating utensils when serving food and always be responsive to patient complaints.

Conclusion

Improving the quality of food services in Aceh Tamiang District Hospital is not only about patient satisfaction but also about speeding up the healing process and improving the quality of life of patients during care. By paying attention to the recommendations given, it is expected that Aceh Tamiang District Hospital can provide better food services and meet the needs of patients.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Refer to the Hospital Nutrition Services Guidelines (PGRS): The hospital should refer to the PGRS in preparing food service menus and procedures to ensure that the food service is standardized and meets the nutritional needs of patients.
Provide training to nutrition officers: The hospital should provide training to nutrition officers to increase their knowledge and skills in providing quality services.
Improve facilities and infrastructure: The hospital should improve its facilities and infrastructure, including the procurement of clean and safe eating utensils, as well as ensuring the availability of clean water for 24 hours.
Increase direct supervision of food services: The Head of Nutrition Installation should increase direct supervision of food services in the inpatient room to ensure that food services are provided in a timely and efficient manner.
Pay attention to the conditions of the place and eating utensils: Food presenters must pay more attention to the conditions of the place and eating utensils when serving food and always be responsive to patient complaints.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the study was conducted in a single hospital, which may limit the generalizability of the results. Secondly, the study only focused on food services and did not consider other factors that may affect patient satisfaction. Finally, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to replicate this study in other hospitals to increase the generalizability of the results. Additionally, future research should consider other factors that may affect patient satisfaction, such as the quality of care, communication with healthcare providers, and the physical environment. Finally, future research should use more objective measures of patient satisfaction, such as patient-reported outcomes, to reduce bias.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of food services in improving patient satisfaction in hospitals. The results of this study suggest that menu variations, presentation, timeliness, place conditions and cutlery, and the behavior of officers who serve food all have a significant effect on patient satisfaction. By paying attention to the recommendations given, hospitals can improve the quality of food services and meet the needs of patients.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Effect of Food Services on Inpatient Satisfaction in Aceh Tamiang District General Hospital

Q: What is the significance of food services in hospitals?

A: Food services in hospitals play a vital role in the healing process of patients. A well-planned and executed food service can not only improve patient satisfaction but also contribute to a speedy recovery.

Q: What were the main complaints related to food services in Aceh Tamiang District General Hospital?

A: The main complaints related to food services in Aceh Tamiang District General Hospital included delays in food, difficulty asking for additional drinking water, and lack of cleaning utensils.

Q: What was the methodology used in the study to determine the effect of food services on inpatient satisfaction?

A: The study used the Explanatory Survey Method, which involved 92 inpatients who were randomly selected from 1,987 patients in Aceh Tamiang District Hospital. Data was collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using multiple linear regression tests.

Q: What were the results of the study?

A: The results of the study showed a close relationship between food services and patient satisfaction. Menu variations, ways of presentation, timeliness, place conditions and cutlery, and the behavior of officers who serve food all had a significant effect on patient satisfaction. The conditions of the place and cutlery had the most significant effect on patient satisfaction (β = 2,304).

Q: What are the recommendations for improving the quality of food services in Aceh Tamiang District Hospital?

A: The recommendations for improving the quality of food services in Aceh Tamiang District Hospital include:

Refer to the Hospital Nutrition Services Guidelines (PGRS): The hospital should refer to the PGRS in preparing food service menus and procedures to ensure that the food service is standardized and meets the nutritional needs of patients.
Provide training to nutrition officers: The hospital should provide training to nutrition officers to increase their knowledge and skills in providing quality services.
Improve facilities and infrastructure: The hospital should improve its facilities and infrastructure, including the procurement of clean and safe eating utensils, as well as ensuring the availability of clean water for 24 hours.
Increase direct supervision of food services: The Head of Nutrition Installation should increase direct supervision of food services in the inpatient room to ensure that food services are provided in a timely and efficient manner.
Pay attention to the conditions of the place and eating utensils: Food presenters must pay more attention to the conditions of the place and eating utensils when serving food and always be responsive to patient complaints.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including:

Limited generalizability: The study was conducted in a single hospital, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Limited scope: The study only focused on food services and did not consider other factors that may affect patient satisfaction.
Self-reported data: The study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to replicate this study in other hospitals to increase the generalizability of the results. Additionally, future research should consider other factors that may affect patient satisfaction, such as the quality of care, communication with healthcare providers, and the physical environment. Finally, future research should use more objective measures of patient satisfaction, such as patient-reported outcomes, to reduce bias.

Q: What are the implications of the study for healthcare providers?

A: The study highlights the importance of food services in improving patient satisfaction in hospitals. Healthcare providers should pay attention to the recommendations given to improve the quality of food services and meet the needs of patients.

Q: What are the implications of the study for hospital administrators?

A: The study suggests that hospital administrators should prioritize the improvement of food services in hospitals. This can be achieved by referring to the Hospital Nutrition Services Guidelines (PGRS), providing training to nutrition officers, improving facilities and infrastructure, increasing direct supervision of food services, and paying attention to the conditions of the place and eating utensils.

Q: What are the implications of the study for patients?

A: The study suggests that patients should expect high-quality food services in hospitals. Patients should be able to access nutritious and safe food, and should be able to communicate their needs and concerns to healthcare providers.