Accessing Meals on Wheels: A qualitative study exploring the experiences of service users and people who refer them to the service

Abstract Aims This study aimed to explore the perceptions of Meals on Wheels (MoWs) service users (SUs), and people who refer them to MoWs (‘referrers’), with accessing and commencing the service in England, the barriers that might hinder service uptake, and what information would be valued when con...

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Main Authors: Angeliki Papadaki, Mary Wakeham, Becky Ali, Miranda Elaine Glynis Armstrong, Paul Willis, Ailsa Cameron
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2024-02-01
Series:Health Expectations
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13943
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author Angeliki Papadaki
Mary Wakeham
Becky Ali
Miranda Elaine Glynis Armstrong
Paul Willis
Ailsa Cameron
author_facet Angeliki Papadaki
Mary Wakeham
Becky Ali
Miranda Elaine Glynis Armstrong
Paul Willis
Ailsa Cameron
author_sort Angeliki Papadaki
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Aims This study aimed to explore the perceptions of Meals on Wheels (MoWs) service users (SUs), and people who refer them to MoWs (‘referrers’), with accessing and commencing the service in England, the barriers that might hinder service uptake, and what information would be valued when considering accessing the service. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted in May–July 2022 with seven SUs and 21 referrers, recruited from four MoWs providers across England. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Participants indicated various pathways into the service, but referrers (family members) were more likely to be the ones enquiring about, and commencing, MoWs for SUs. Once an enquiry about MoWs had been made, the service was perceived as straightforward to set up. However, existing preconceptions and stereotypes were perceived to act as barriers to accessing MoWs. Information that participants deemed important to have available when deciding on whether to access MoWs related to the meals, the specific services provided, the reliability and flexibility of delivery and the cost of services. Conclusion These findings could inform MoWs service providers' public awareness strategies about MoWs, to facilitate referrals to the service for adults with care and support needs. Patient or Public Contribution An advisory group of people with lived experience of MoWs (users of the service and their family referrers) extensively discussed the findings of the research and advised on the implications and future dissemination steps.
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spelling doaj-art-e940b73000ee457eb5b0403eaa6f7c6f2025-08-23T11:53:04ZengWileyHealth Expectations1369-65131369-76252024-02-01271n/an/a10.1111/hex.13943Accessing Meals on Wheels: A qualitative study exploring the experiences of service users and people who refer them to the serviceAngeliki Papadaki0Mary Wakeham1Becky Ali2Miranda Elaine Glynis Armstrong3Paul Willis4Ailsa Cameron5Centre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies University of Bristol Bristol UKCentre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies University of Bristol Bristol UKPopulation Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School University of Bristol Bristol UKCentre for Exercise, Nutrition and Health Sciences, School for Policy Studies University of Bristol Bristol UKCentre for Research in Health and Social Care University of Bristol Bristol UKCentre for Research in Health and Social Care University of Bristol Bristol UKAbstract Aims This study aimed to explore the perceptions of Meals on Wheels (MoWs) service users (SUs), and people who refer them to MoWs (‘referrers’), with accessing and commencing the service in England, the barriers that might hinder service uptake, and what information would be valued when considering accessing the service. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted in May–July 2022 with seven SUs and 21 referrers, recruited from four MoWs providers across England. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Participants indicated various pathways into the service, but referrers (family members) were more likely to be the ones enquiring about, and commencing, MoWs for SUs. Once an enquiry about MoWs had been made, the service was perceived as straightforward to set up. However, existing preconceptions and stereotypes were perceived to act as barriers to accessing MoWs. Information that participants deemed important to have available when deciding on whether to access MoWs related to the meals, the specific services provided, the reliability and flexibility of delivery and the cost of services. Conclusion These findings could inform MoWs service providers' public awareness strategies about MoWs, to facilitate referrals to the service for adults with care and support needs. Patient or Public Contribution An advisory group of people with lived experience of MoWs (users of the service and their family referrers) extensively discussed the findings of the research and advised on the implications and future dissemination steps.https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13943carerscommunity mealshome‐delivered mealsMeals on Wheelsqualitative researchreferral
spellingShingle Angeliki Papadaki
Mary Wakeham
Becky Ali
Miranda Elaine Glynis Armstrong
Paul Willis
Ailsa Cameron
Accessing Meals on Wheels: A qualitative study exploring the experiences of service users and people who refer them to the service
Health Expectations
carers
community meals
home‐delivered meals
Meals on Wheels
qualitative research
referral
title Accessing Meals on Wheels: A qualitative study exploring the experiences of service users and people who refer them to the service
title_full Accessing Meals on Wheels: A qualitative study exploring the experiences of service users and people who refer them to the service
title_fullStr Accessing Meals on Wheels: A qualitative study exploring the experiences of service users and people who refer them to the service
title_full_unstemmed Accessing Meals on Wheels: A qualitative study exploring the experiences of service users and people who refer them to the service
title_short Accessing Meals on Wheels: A qualitative study exploring the experiences of service users and people who refer them to the service
title_sort accessing meals on wheels a qualitative study exploring the experiences of service users and people who refer them to the service
topic carers
community meals
home‐delivered meals
Meals on Wheels
qualitative research
referral
url https://doi.org/10.1111/hex.13943
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