The influence of food packaging on independent eating in individuals with hand impairments

PurposeHand function plays a major role in the successful performance of activities of daily living (ADLs), such as eating. There is a lack of data exploring how persons with hand impairment manage food packaging and its impact on eating.MethodsA convenience sample of 12 inpatients with hand impairments undergoing rehabilitation participated in a qualitative interview where they were asked questions about their experiences with food packaging and independent eating, and asked to open a set of commonly available hospital food packages, first without any tools/aids, and then with tools/aids if they desired to use them. Audio data were transcribed and cross-referenced with video data. Data were analyzed using codebook thematic analysis.ResultsAn overarching theme of "Messiness" along with four major themes were identified: a) Inaccessibility of food packaging; b) Lack of control; c) Eating avoidance; and d) Preferred packaging and strategies.ConclusionsInpatients with a hand impairment often experience several challenges with independent eating while in hospital as a result of their difficulties with hard to open food packaging. A greater consideration of universal design principles may be relevant for designers to make packaging more accessible. Inaccessible food packaging may lead to psychological distress in patients with hand impairments, which can involve avoidance of eating.Food packaging that is large, lightweight and that has clear tabs or markers for pulling or tearing are better suited for patients with functional hand impairments.The use of a non-slip mat and/or tool with a sharp end might be useful aids to help patients be more independent with opening food packages while in hospital.