The FOOD trial comprises a family of 3 randomized controlled trials
that share the same randomization, data collection, and follow-up
systems. These trials aim to compare the outcomes of hospitalized
stroke patients managed with different feeding policies (Table 1).
The trial has broad eligibility criteria. Any patient who is admitted to
a participating hospital with a recent (within 7 days) stroke (first ever
or recurrent) can be enrolled if the responsible clinician is uncertain
of the best feeding policy and the patient or a relative consents to
enrollment. Patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage are not included.
Baseline data (Table 2) are collected during a phone call at trial
entry. The randomizing clinician is asked to categorize patients as
undernourished, normal, or overweight on the basis of their own
bedside assessment or, when practical, from a fuller assessment that
might include weight, height, dietary history, or blood tests. We have
shown previously that the simple bedside categorization of nutritional
status, performed by a range of healthcare professionals