Australian dietitians' confidence in their knowledge and skills working with older adults in aged care: A national survey.

Autor:	Bartrim, Karly, Moyle, Wendy, Wright, Olivia R. L., Ball, Lauren
Předmět:	HOME care services ELDER care CROSS-sectional method SCALE analysis (Psychology) PEARSON correlation (Statistics) COMMUNICATIVE competence OCCUPATIONAL roles MALNUTRITION RESEARCH funding MEDICAL care HEALTH policy CONFIDENCE DESCRIPTIVE statistics QUANTITATIVE research INTERNET CHI-squared test FOOD service PROFESSIONS HYDRATION CLINICAL competence ABILITY MEMORY DATA analysis software MEDICAL screening QUALITY assurance RESIDENTIAL care MEDICAL practice NUTRITION education LABOR supply OLD age
Zdroj:	Nutrition & Dietetics; Apr2024, Vol. 81 Issue 2, p203-214, 12p
Abstrakt:	Aim: This study aimed to describe dietitians' confidence in their knowledge and skills working with older adults in residential aged care facilities or home care services. Methods: A novel, quantitative online survey was distributed to aged care dietitians. Activities, knowledge, and skills areas outlined by the Dietitians Australia 'Older Persons and Aged Care Dietitian Role Statement' were included in the 23‐item survey. Likert scales captured participant responses. Median responses (n, %) are presented. Associations between participants' confidence in their knowledge and skills and years of experience working in aged care were explored using Pearson's chi‐squared tests. Results: Dietitians completed the survey (N = 125; age: 40 ± 13 years [mean ± SD]; 97.6% female). Dietitians reported they "always" worked collaboratively (n = 65%, 52%) and 'often' prescribed supplements (n = 52%, 41.6%) and utilised a food‐first approach (n = 36%, 28.8%). Dietitians 'sometimes' conducted malnutrition screening (n = 28%, 22.4%), audits (n = 36%, 28.8%), nutrition education (n = 53%, 42.4%) and quality improvement activities (n = 28%, 22.4%). Dietitians 'rarely' utilised food service/standards (n = 38%, 30.4%) and nutrition/hydration procedures (n = 35%, 28.0%). Dietitians with ≥6 years of experience were more confident than dietitians with 0–5 years in providing support programs (p = 0.003), utilising healthcare policies (p = 0.013), interpreting quality assessment (p = 0.014) and communication skills (p = 0.047). Dietitians felt 'completely' or 'fairly' confident in all knowledge and skill areas, except for government and community support programs (n = 38%, 30.4%) rated 'somewhat' confident. Conclusion: Aged care dietitians are confident in most aspects of their role but have opportunities to be better supported. Developing the confidence of higher‐level systems and communication in early career dietitians is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Databáze:	Complementary Index
Externí odkaz:	Zobrazit plný text záznamu Plný text