Implementation of nutrition standards for older adults

This article reports on a study exploring the process of implementing nationally developed standards for the nutritional care of older adults. In particular, the study focused on issues which enabled or hindered the effective implementation of the standards. A multisite case study design was used. The intervention involved a two-day workshop on facilitated teamwork and implementation strategies. The standards were implemented over a six-month period and a number of semi-structured interviews were conducted in each of the homes throughout this period. Pre- and post-audit data of nutritional care were collected in each of the homes to ascertain the extent to which care had changed. The standards were used effectively as a basis for making significant changes to the way staff provided nutritional care. The research highlighted the importance of using a strategic and well planned approach which addresses four important factors: ensuring the topic area is a priority; using a teamwork approach; identifying a facilitator; and providing necessary educational opportunities.