Abstract :

 Dietary services in public hospitals are integral to patient recovery and overall care. The existing dietary circular governing these services requires revision to enhance efficiency, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction while addressing cost concerns. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a mixed-method approach to identify gaps and inefficiencies in the current dietary practices, including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and desk reviews. The findings indicated significant food waste in hospitals and considerable patient dissatisfaction with current dietary options. These challenges underscore serious gaps in aligning dietary practices with patient needs and resource allocation. This study emphasizes the importance of revising the dietary circular to establish more efficient and patient-centered dietary services. Proposed revisions focus on reducing food waste, improving the nutritional adequacy of meals, and addressing patient preferences, ultimately contributing to better clinical outcomes. The recommendations focus on developing a cost-effective strategy for hospital dietary services to achieve sustainable improvements that align with healthcare objectives. Updating and implementing these guidelines can greatly benefit the healthcare system by optimizing resource allocation and enhancing patient care in Sri Lankan public hospitals.

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Keywords :

Dietary guideline Food waste, Hospital diet.

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