The Low Spoon Kitchen – a multidisciplinary approach to nutrition in an acute mental health inpatient setting.
Kristine Lobley1, Jaimie Prendergast1, Llyris Wood1, Tanya Bell1, Amy Johnson1, Jessica McEvoy1 1Coffs Harbour Health Campus, Mid North Coast Local Health District, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
Abstract
Those with chronic mental illness experience a higher risk for metabolic syndrome, obesity, type 2 diabetes and poor gut health. Diet is a known modifiable risk factor for depression. This marginalised patient group is disproportionally affected by barriers to maintaining healthy diets.
The “Low Spoon Kitchen” project is based on the concept of spoons representing units by which one measures the amount of energy available for completing daily activities. People living with chronic mental illness often have less ‘spoons’. We aim to support patients to make the healthiest food choices possible using the least number of spoons.
Combining nutrition education, functional assessment and social skills development achieves an integrated approach to care.
AIM: This multi-dimensional nutrition project aims to redefine and address long term food practices within the Coffs Harbour Acute Mental Health Unit. It will target dietary intake, functional food skills, social connectedness, food waste/expenditure and health-promoting practices.
METHOD:
(i)Patient food satisfaction survey
(ii)Cooking sessions and food supply changes
(iii)Health promoting activities
RESULTS:
(i)Patients identified need for more fresh food and meal variety
(ii)Increased participation in structured cooking sessions
(iii)Increased fruit/vegetable access and intake
(iv)Reduced food packaging waste
(v)Development of food preparation skills
(vi)Increased skills related to activities of daily living
CONCLUSION:
A range of cost effective and therapeutic patient benefits in terms of nutrition, health promotion, personal skills and social well-being were achieved. The patient experience was enhanced by increasing personal choice and access to healthy food.
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