In  May 2010, Speech Pathology Australia and the Dietitians Association of Australia
were successful in obtaining sponsorship to undertake a project to investigate the uptake and the implementation of the Australian Standardised Terminology and Definitions for Texture Modified Food and Fluids, otherwise known as the Standards. Two speech pathologists, Sarah Jukes and Michelle O’Rourke, Speech Pathologists from Southern Health in Victoria were appointed as the project officer and project manager respectively. They were assisted by a multidisciplinary reference group comprising representatives from speech pathology, dietetics,  nursing and food services management.

The aim of the project was to evaluate the uptake and implementation of the Standards in a variety of settings across Australia; to determine the barriers and enablers to successful implementation and to provide recommendations for extending the penetration of the Standards and to provide guidance on future resource development.

Three online surveys were distributed to stakeholders across Australia, targeting speech pathologists and dietitians, nurses, nutrition assistants, personal service assistants, food services managers and cooks. The results showed a high level of use of the Standards across all stakeholder groups, with 65% of all respondents indicating they use the standard in their workplace.

The results of this study formed recommendations to both Associations on how to extend the depth and breadth of the penetration of the  Standards. The recommendations included suggestions on how to disseminate the results of this study and suggestions on development of future resources to support further engagement with key stakeholders.

The full report can be accessed here:

Evaluation of the Standards - Final report