Evaluating the Eating Matters Program's impact on nutrition for elderly patients
Official title: Evaluating the Impact of a Volunteer Based Mealtime Assistance Program on the Nutritional Status of Patients at Joseph Brant Hospital in Ontario, Canada
Run by Joseph Brant Hospital · NCT04445883 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if a program that helps elderly patients eat better can improve their nutrition and reduce the risk of malnutrition in the hospital.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Joseph Brant Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Burlington, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 20, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | October 30, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | August 27, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04445883 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are patients aged 65 and over admitted to Medicine and Rehabilitation units at Joseph Brant Hospital who require eating assistance.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are NPO, require enteral or total parenteral feeding, are in palliative care, or have severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This research evaluates the Eating Matters Program at Joseph Brant Hospital, which provides feeding assistance to improve the nutritional intake of elderly patients. The study compares nutritional outcomes between patients receiving assistance and those who do not, focusing on protein and energy intake. A total of 80 participants will be involved, with data collected over a 6-day period to assess the program's effectiveness in reducing malnutrition risk. The study aims to provide insights into innovative strategies for addressing hospital malnutrition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the nutritional status and overall health of elderly patients in medical rehabilitation.
How similar studies have gone: While research on similar feeding assistance programs is limited in Canada, existing studies have shown positive outcomes in improving nutritional intake in hospital settings.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients 65 years and over admitted to Medicine and Rehabilitation units at Joseph Brant Hospital with an anticipated stay 10-14 days * Patients with a Subjective Global Assessment score of B or C, and identified to require eating assistance * Patients able to provide consent or have a Power of Attorney to do so on their behalf Exclusion Criteria: * Patients that are NPO status (nothing by mouth) * Patients that require enteral or total parenteral feeding * Palliative care patients * Severe cognitive impairment
Where it's running
-
Joseph Brant Hospital
Burlington, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Diala Chayab, MPH, RD
- Email: dchayab@josephbranthospital.ca
- Phone: 9056323737
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.