National Texture Modification Standards
The Australian Standardised Terminology and Definitions for Texture Modified Foods and Fluids (The Standards) were launched in May 2007 and are recommended for use throughout Australia and New Zealand in the management of dysphagia and other swallowing difficulties.
Australian Standards for Texture Modified Foods and Fluids Poster Hard copy posters are available from Nestlé Healthcare Nutrition by calling 1800 671 628.
For all the background information on how The Standards were developed download a copy of the published Supplement to the DAA Journal, Nutrition & Dietetics available via the Wiley-Blackwell Publishing website.
Evaluation Project
In 2010 a project was completed to evaluate the uptake of The Standards. The project was a joint initiative between Speech Pathology Australia and the Dietitians Association of Australia. The project aimed to review the uptake and use of The Standards, and to develop recommendations to support their ongoing use. The project aimed to review the uptake and utility of the Australian Standardised Terminology and Definitions of Texture Modified Food and Fluids, and to develop recommendations to support The Standards ongoing utility.
The full report is now available including the recommendations. Speech Pathology Australia and DAA presented the results of the project and case studies of implementation at each of their national conferences (May and June 2011). The two organisations also held two stakeholder sessions to promote The Standards targeting aged care workers, food service managers and nursing staff.
Future project work based on the project’s recommendations is currently being explored by Speech Pathology Australia and DAA.
Speech Pathology Australia and DAA would like to acknowledge Nestlé Healthcare Nutrition for their generous support of this project.
Development Project
Thickened fluids and texture-modified foods are used in the management of swallowing difficulties (dysphagia). Previously a large number of different labels were applied to food textures and fluid thickness levels across Australia. This resulted in inconsistent terminology and risk to patient safety.
Speech Pathology Australia and DAA joined together to develop agreed standards for a number of levels and definitions of thickened fluids and texture-modified foods within the Australian context. This project was supported by Novartis Medical Nutrition (now Nestlè Healthcare Nutrition).
Launch of The Standards
Several events were held in 2007 to report on The Standards development project. The Brisbane workshop held on 20 August 2007 was recorded and is available to view as a Webpresent on DINER.