Putting feeding back into the hands of patients.

At the Behavioral Health Unit of Baton Rouge General Medical Center, the author and registered dietitians of the Clinical Nutrition Department developed "utensil-less" diets for patients with acute psychiatric conditions. Initially, the diet was developed for patients with dementia; however, the staff quickly realized that the diet would be appropriate for patients with many acute psychiatric disorders, or for those patients with physical limitations. The "Dementia Diet" includes five nutritionally balanced, small meals each day, consisting of finger foods such as sandwiches, vegetable sticks, fruit slices, and other items that patients can eat on their own without feeding assistance or utensils (Figure). After introducing the diet on the Behavioral Health Unit, the staff found that 7 of 10 patients on the diet improved their food intake and gained weight. Not only were nutritional needs met, but mealtimes became more enjoyable for the patients, families, and staff (Table). Unit safety advanced, and most importantly, quality of life and self-esteem were cultivated by helping adult patients regain some of their independence associated with meal times.