The study, which derives its name from the phrase ‘nutRition intervEntions For malnouRished oldEr AdultS in care Homes’ will test how best to treat malnutrition in older adults aged over 65 years who are living in care homes.
The study is based on the premise that older people in care homes are at risk of malnutrition, which harms their health, reduces their quality of life, and increases the risk of falls and infections. It hopes to show that managing malnutrition better can help maintain the mental and physical health of residents as well as improve their wellbeing.
It expects to show that improving nutritional care will help improve quality of life by making eating more pleasurable, supporting independence for residents, and reducing the burden for staff and associated costs.
Care homes that join the study will be randomly put into one of three groups:
- ONS Group will provide eligible residents with oral nutrition supplements (ONS).
- FF Group where eligible residents will be provided with fortified food (FF) and drink.
- Usual Care Group where the care homes will carry on with their usual routines for managing malnutrition.
If you have questions or want to discuss the study further you can contact the research team at: refresh.penctu@plymouth.ac.uk.
To express your interest in participating in the study, you can complete the expression of interest form: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/penctu/refresh-trial/participate.