Sensory evaluation of oral nutritional supplements: a comparison of patient and dietitian preferences.
The choice of oral nutritional supplements (ONS) is typically made by a formulary committee without patient input. The purpose of this study was to determine if significant differences arose in the following two areas: (1) in preference of ONS between patients and dietitians/dietetic interns; and (2) between ONS from different companies as detected by either patients or dietitian/dietetic interns. ONS in the 1.0 kcal/mL and 1.5 kcal/mL lactose-free category from five companies, in all flavors, were randomly evaluated by 392 patients and 34 dietitians/dietetic interns. Each product was evaluated using a seven-point hedonic scale. When more than one brand of the same flavor was present, products were than ranked in order of preference. There were significant differences between patients and dietitians/dietetic interns in their evaluation of 7 of the 13 product lines. Significant differences were also found between same-flavored products of equal caloric density produced by different companies. Since the patients typically rated the ONS as more acceptable when a difference did exist, it would appear unnecessary for formulary committees to test products on the patient population on a regular basis.
University of Alberta Hospitals, Edmonton.
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D000416:Alberta; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D004045:Dietary Services / Q000592:standards*; D005421:Flavoring Agents; D005521:Food Service, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D005527:Food, Fortified / Q000592:standards*; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013649:Taste