Exploring Facilitators and Barriers of Medically Tailored Meal Interventions for Patients Hospitalized With Acute Heart Failure: A Qualitative Study

Top Things to Know

Building trust in MTM recommendations and highlighting potential health benefits can improve patient adherence and outcomes, emphasizing the therapeutic role of food in managing acute heart failure.

Overcoming logistical challenges and high costs through strategic planning and funding can make MTM interventions more feasible, ensuring that patients receive the necessary nutritional support post-hospitalization.

Increasing knowledge about MTM among both healthcare providers and patients is crucial. Educating stakeholders about the benefits and implementation of MTM can enhance its adoption and effectiveness, reinforcing the concept of food as a critical component of medical treatment.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

The study explored the facilitators and barriers to implementing medically tailored meal (MTM) interventions for patients hospitalized with acute heart failure (AHF) at a tertiary hospital. Interviews with healthcare workers and patients revealed that trust in MTM recommendations, potential health benefits, and the necessity for dietary compliance were key facilitators. However, barriers included the need for more research on MTM efficacy, logistical complexities, high costs, and limited knowledge about MTM among patients and providers. The study concluded that addressing these barriers with targeted strategies could enhance the implementation of MTM programs.