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Contact the study team using the details below to take part. If there are no contact details below please ask your doctor in the first instance.
Prof
Jane
Murphy
jane.murphy@dorsetgp.nhs.uk
Prof
Mary
Hickson
mary.hickson@plymouth.ac.uk
Dr
.
Refresh PenCTU
refresh.penctu@plymouth.ac.uk
More information about this study, what is involved and how to take part can be found on the study website.
Malnutrition
This information is provided directly by researchers, and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information. In some summaries, you may come across links to external websites. These websites will have more information to help you better understand the study.
Many older people living in care homes are at risk of malnutrition, which means they aren’t getting the nutrients they need. This can lead to poor health, lower quality of life, and a higher chance of falls and infections. The REFRESH study will compare three approaches to nutritional care: fortified foods, supplement drinks, and usual care. Around 1,530 residents from 90 care homes will take part to help find out which approach works best to improve nutrition and quality of life.
Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.
The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:
You can take part if:
You may not be able to take part if:
Current key exclusion criteria as of 12/06/2026:
1. Fed via feeding tube2. Active cancer treatment or recent major surgery3. Considered by the care home staff to be approaching the end of life, where participation in the study would not be appropriate.4. Already receiving nutrition support (ONS or fortified meals) with individualised dietetic advice from a dietitian‡.
‡Residents will be eligible if they have been:a. prescribed ONS short term (e.g. after a hospital stay) and have not yet been reviewed by a dietitian.b. prescribed ONS not specifically for malnutrition (e.g. for wound healing, haemo-dialysis).c. prescribed ONS by or on the recommendation of a health professional other than a dietitian (e.g. nurse or GP).d. discharged from dietetic care but are still on ONS.
_____
Previous key exclusion criteria as of 12/06/2026:
1. Fed via feeding tube2. Already receiving nutrition support (ONS or fortified meals) on the advice of a healthcare professional (e.g. GP) and/or individualised dietetic advice3. Active cancer treatment or recent major surgery4. Considered by the care home staff to be approaching the end of life, where participation in the study would not be appropriate‡. ‡In cases where there is uncertainty, this decision will be made collaboratively by care home staff, in consultation with the resident (where possible), and a consultee (if applicable). Care home staff, who are leading initial discussions about the study, will use their professional judgment on a case-by-case basis to ensure that the decision reflects the resident’s condition, preferences, and advice of the consultee (if applicable).
Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.
Prof
Mary
Hickson
mary.hickson@plymouth.ac.uk
Prof
Jane
Murphy
jane.murphy@dorsetgp.nhs.uk
Dr
.
Refresh PenCTU
refresh.penctu@plymouth.ac.uk
More information about this study, what is involved and how to take part can be found on the study website.
The study is sponsored by University of Plymouth and funded by National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Your feedback is important to us. It will help us improve the quality of the study information on this site. Please answer both questions.
Or CPMS: 58561
You can print or share the study information with your GP/healthcare provider or contact the research team directly.
