Applying user Experience Principles to Food Distribution in Nursing Homes

Research on patient experiences within healthcare systems tend to report a variety negative encounters. This can be especially observed in food distribution systems within nursing homes. While nursing homes have various practices and structures that affect a resident’s physical and mental health, the process of food distribution considerably relates to issues of autonomy. Because loss of independence may lead to increased rates of elderly loneliness and depression, mealtimes and the process of food distribution are an integral part of improving a resident’s quality of life and encouraging socialization and self-sufficiency. Moreover, developing patient experiences within food distribution systems, whether centralized or decentralized, will likely improve resident’s autonomy and self-efficacy, reduce frustration, and enhance their overall mental and physical health. The present study utilizes Arhippainen’s User Experience heuristics to identify manners of augmenting patient experiences relating to food distribution in nursing homes by addressing patients’ needs, values, and desires. By utilizing these heuristics, patient experiences and assessments of healthcare systems would become more personalized and fulfilling to the individuals.