title: Evaluation of the uptake of the Australian standardized terminology and definitions for texture modified foods and fluids.
abstract: This paper discusses the uptake of standardized terminology and definitions for texture modified foods and fluids. The Australian dietetic and speech-language pathology associations endorsed national standards in 2007. This project sought to determine the barriers and enablers for use of the national standards in clinical practice. Cross-sectional online surveys were developed, including open- and closed-response questions. The surveys targeted different professional groups in Australia including speech-language pathologists, dietitians, nurses, and food service personnel. Australian accredited universities were contacted to determine penetration of the standards. A total of 574 surveys were received. Sixty-five per cent of respondents indicated full implementation, 23% partial implementation, and 10% no implementation of the standards in their workplace. Speech-language pathologists and dietitians were most likely to have championed implementation of the standards. Barriers to implementation included: lack of knowledge about the standards, time, and resistance to change. Enablers included: encouragement to use the standards and 'buy-in' from stakeholders. Benefits of implementation included: consistent terminology and perceived improvements in patient safety. It was concluded that the standards have been successfully implemented in a majority of facilities and Australian universities. This study provides insight into the complexity of introducing and managing change in healthcare environments.
authors.affiliation: Southern Health, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jukes
authors.forename: Julie A Y
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Cichero
authors.forename: Terrence
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Haines
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.forename: Kate
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Paul
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Rourke
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003679:Deglutition; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D004046:Dietetics / Q000592:standards*; D005502:Food / Q000145:classification / Q000592:standards*; D005511:Food Handling / Q000592:standards; D005522:Food Services / Q000592:standards; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012677:Sensation; D013066:Speech-Language Pathology / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D014783:Viscosity; D017132:Workplace / Q000592:standards