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Background: A few days after admission to hospital for stem cell transplantation, patients experience reduction in oral intake due to loss of appetite, nausea, altered taste and/or smell, painful mucositis and diarrhoea. Aim: This study examined if the patients' choices of food and drinks and nurses' support to increase oral intake were in accordance with an institutional guideline developed to assist nurses in supporting the oral intake of the patients. Methods: We monitored the types and amount of food and drinks served and consumed and interviewed the patients about their experience with food and drink requirements, and how nurses can help to maintain or increase oral intake. The patients' choices of food and drink, and the nurses' support were compared with the guideline. Findings: Although there was a fair accordance between the patients' reports about proper food and drinks and the guideline, the patients consumed less food from the guideline than recommended. Moreover, the patients' reports of nurses' support were generally in accordance with the guideline. Nevertheless, the patients wanted an increased nursing focus on oral nutritional care. Conclusion: Stem cell transplanted patients require a limited number of tolerable food items prepared in reduced portions on a regular basis. Increased focus on individual nutritional care is also warranted.

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