Evaluating the effects of meal delivery on older adults
Deliver-EE: Evaluating Effects of Meal Delivery on the Ability of Homebound Older Adults to Remain in the Community Via A Pragmatic, Two-Arm, Randomized Comparative Effectiveness Trial
This study is testing whether daily meal deliveries can help older adults feel better and spend fewer days in care facilities compared to getting frozen meals every two weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 2300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 66 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brown University Academic / other |
| Locations | 14 sites (San Diego, California and 13 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05357261 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study randomly assigns 2,300 older adults on waiting lists at fourteen Meals on Wheels programs across several states to receive either daily meal deliveries or bi-weekly shipments of frozen meals. Researchers will analyze Medicare claims to assess differences in healthcare utilization between the two groups over six months. Additionally, participants will complete surveys to evaluate the impact of meal delivery on food access, loneliness, and overall quality of life. The primary outcome focuses on the number of days spent in institutional settings after meal delivery begins.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults aged 66 and above who are on waiting lists for meal delivery programs and reside within the service areas.
Not a fit: Patients who have end-stage renal disease or require a specialized renal diet may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve food security and overall health outcomes for older adults, potentially reducing healthcare costs.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence on the effectiveness of different meal delivery methods, similar studies have shown positive impacts of meal delivery on health outcomes in older adults.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 66+ * On program waiting list * Must reside in program's daily service area * Must be able to eat a general diet with no dietary restrictions Exclusion Criteria: * Primary language is not English or Spanish * Has end stage renal disease/requires specialized renal diet * Unable to participate in a phone survey/interview (e.g., difficulty hearing, lack of comprehension of study purpose, does not have working phone)
Where this trial is running
San Diego, California and 13 other locations
- Meals on Wheels San Diego County — San Diego, California, United States (Recruiting)
- Neighborly Care Network — Clearwater, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
- Aging True — Jacksonville, Florida, United States (Completed)
- Meals on Wheels Northeastern Illinois — Evanston, Illinois, United States (Recruiting)
- Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (Recruiting)
- Meals On Wheels Durham — Durham, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
- Senior Resources of Guilford — Greensboro, North Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
- Meals On Wheels - Anderson — Anderson, South Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
- Senior Resources Inc — Columbia, South Carolina, United States (Recruiting)
- Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA) — Memphis, Tennessee, United States (Recruiting)
- Visiting Nurse Association of Texas — Dallas, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
- Northwest Assistance Ministries — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
- Amigos Del Valle, Inc — Mission, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
- Meals on Wheels San Antonio — San Antonio, Texas, United States (Completed)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kali S. Thomas, PhD — Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
- Study coordinator: Kimberly Bernard, PhD
- Email: kimberly_bernard@brown.edu
- Phone: (401) 863-1842
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.