Feasibility of a tailored weekly meal box delivery service addressing quality of life and nutritional intake for people with Acquired Brain Injury in Western Australia

This study aims to assess the feasibility of a weekly meal box that is specifically tailored to those living with a neurological condition. The meal box has been developed based on feedback from co-design workshops with members of the neurological community (those living with a neurological condition who will be the consumers); health professionals working with people with neurological conditions (dietitians, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, psychologists, clinical specialists); and an existing meal box service provider (You Plate It, Perth). The meal boxes will be provided for one week and will comprise recipes and ingredients for 5 main meals, for up to four persons. In consultation with You Plate It chefs, the recipes have been selected by dietitians to ensure that they meet Australian Dietary Guidelines, whilst following the suggestions of the neurological community to be appealing and not too complex. Recipe instructions will be clear and easy to follow and supported with pictorial images. Ingredients will be pre-prepared to help overcome motor and cognitive limitations and other concerns raised during the co-design workshops. 15 people with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) who are living in the community with their family will be invited to participate via our not-for-profit partner (Synapse). During the week prior to receiving the weekly meal box, participants will be invited to attend a simulation event at ECU to familiarise themselves with an example meal box. They will also attend an interview with the study’s dietitian to investigate their normal behaviours associated with mealtimes, including habitual intakes. At these interviews, participants will select their preferred recipes for the following week, to be included in their meal box that will be provided by our industry partner via their usual weekly delivery service. During the week-long trial, participants will be supported by study investigators and will be asked to complete a daily survey about their experience with the meal box as well as attending a final interview with the study dietitian, in the week after the trial.