The Stream Trial

CPMS code:  42564

Lead Network: South Central

Study Summary

About 10-15% of people over the age of 65 living at home are at risk of malnutrition. In particular poor appetite is an important risk factor for malnutrition and for weight loss, and a risk factor for the development of infections, hospital admissions and even longer term mortality. This may be because they are not getting enough to eat, or because they are not eating enough of the right food. We have developed an approach (‘intervention’) to help doctors and nurses in general practice to check if older adults who live at home are at risk of malnutrition. They can then offer support to those who need it. Our intervention, called ‘Eat well, feel well, stay well’, includes booklets and other materials for older adults, and support for health professionals. The support for health professionals includes guidance about when to see patients, and for those more severely at risk when to use oral nutritional supplements. The intervention was developed by experts who looked at previous literature to find what helps or hinders older adults eating well, and what is likely to work best in general practice. The intervention was improved after feedback from people aged over 65 years, patients and healthcare professionals. In the study, we aim to assess the effectiveness of the intervention. All patients get a brief intervention with patient booklets and follow-up, but individuals who are at much greater risk will have the brief intervention plus oral nutritional supplements (ONS) for short spells when they are unwell. For comparison we will follow a group of patients who have the usual care that is provided by their doctors’ surgery. We will assess outcomes including the number of infections people get, change in eating patterns, weight and quality of life. We will also compare patients and health professionals’ experiences of being in these different groups. 

The search files hosted on this website are based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria as described in the study protocol and have been built and tested with input from our GP Champion teams. Every effort is made to keep the search files  hosted here maintained and up-to-date. 

However, it is the responsibility of the Principal Investigator to review the search and make any practice specific amendments as deemed necessary*. 

Please DO NOT mail out to patients until you have confirmation and sign off ('green light') from the study team.

*You should advise the study team of any amendments you make to the search.

Disclaimer:

Please note the resources provided are designed to assist with the identification of potentially suitable patients and to appropriately code these patients if required.

These resources have been developed based on the criteria provided by the relevant study team and whilst every effort has been made to make them universally implementable they rely on read codes and the data stored in the individual practice's clinical system. These resources are intended to assist with identification but should be used in conjunction with clinical oversight and a clear understanding of the study parameters.

While we endeavor to keep the information, tools and resources provided up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the tools provided for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of the tools provided.