If people are used to ordering food from DoorDash or Postmates, it makes sense that when they’re staying at the hospital, mobile ordering apps are the way to go. Stony Brook Medicine Distinguished Dining Services and the Faculty Student Association (FSA) of Stony Brook University took the knowledge that nutrition is vital to the healing process, added today’s tech-savvy population and came up with a mobile app just for patients staying at the hospital.
Soft-launched in October of last year, the app is now up and running, poised to increase patient engagement and satisfaction.
“Many people feel comfortable using technology to order meals delivered to their homes, so we knew that some of our patients would be excited to have this option,” Assistant Director of Food and Retail Services and Registered Dietitian Kathleen Logsdon Carrozza told Stony Brook University News.
To assist in building the essential visual components of the app (food pics!), FSA students in an internship program expertly photographed each hospital dining menu item. The interns then circled back to the dietary team to confirm the nutrition facts for each item.
When patients have special medical diets, religious diets or food allergies, the app is designed to only show menu items they are allowed to order under their care plan. There are 30 different diets that the app can filter through. (Setting up a profile on the app can take place once the patient is settled into their room.) Specific nutrient values, like the amount of carbs, are also calculated in, allowing patients to swap items when they reach their limit. Nursing staff have access to the app and can place meal orders for patients without having to use the call center. Another cool component of the app: Family/caregivers can order food for the patient, remotely from home.
Carrozza said she has always been an early adopter of new tech that can help patients. “Throughout my career I have recognized the importance of using technology to provide safe and nutritious meals to patients.”