Barriers and enablers to malnutrition screening of community living older adults: a content analysis of survey data by Australian dietitians

Dana Craven; Fiona Pelly; Elisabeth Isenring; Geoff Lovell

doi:10.1071/PY16054

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Barriers and enablers to malnutrition screening of community living older adults: a content analysis of survey data by Australian dietitians

Journal article

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Barriers and enablers to malnutrition screening of community living older adults: a content analysis of survey data by Australian dietitians

Dana Craven, Fiona Pelly, Elisabeth Isenring and Geoff Lovell

Australian Journal of Primary Health, Vol.23(2), pp.196-201

2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/PY16054

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Abstract

Many older adults living in their own homes are at nutrition risk which, left untreated, can lead to the state of malnutrition. To reduce the prevalence of malnutrition amongst community living older adults (CLOAs), risk factors should be identified and addressed early via malnutrition screening. The aim of this study was to identify barriers and enablers to malnutrition screening of CLOAs from the perspective of dietitians. Ninety-two dietitians working for government, non for profit and private organisations in Australia provided written comments to open-ended survey questions. Textual data were analysed using content analysis resulting in four key categories of organisational, staff, screening and CLOA factors. Insufficient time to screen and lack of knowledge by non-dietetic staff and CLOAs about malnutrition were identified as the strongest barriers. Organisational factors of screening policy and procedures and the provision of education and training emerged as the strongest enablers. The findings from this study can provide guidance to organisations and practitioners considering the implementation of routine malnutrition screening of CLOAs. Increased awareness about malnutrition and the associated outcomes may assist to reduce nutrition risk amongst CLOAs.

Details

Title: Barriers and enablers to malnutrition screening of community living older adults: a content analysis of survey data by Australian dietitians
Authors: Dana Craven (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Fiona Pelly (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Elisabeth Isenring (Author) - Bond University
Geoff Lovell (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts, Business and Law
Publication details: Australian Journal of Primary Health, Vol.23(2), pp.196-201
Publisher: C S I R O Publishing
Date published: 2017
DOI: 10.1071/PY16054
ISSN: 1448-7527
Organisation Unit: Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; Tropical Forests and People Research Centre; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Nutrition & Dietetics; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; Forest Research Institute; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450512102621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Health Care Sciences & Services; Health Policy & Services; Primary Health Care; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

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