Factors influencing the implementation of mealtime interventions in inpatient and aged care settings: A systematic review.
Cara Lin Hill, Kevin McNamara, Laura Alston et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review examined how mealtime interventions are implemented in inpatient and aged care settings, including factors that facilitate or hinder implementation and reported outcomes. Searches of CINAHL, Embase, and MEDLINE identified 4,475 records, of which 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. Staff training and engagement of key stakeholders were the most commonly used implementation strategies. The review also found gaps in evidence about implementation of evidence-based interventions and inconsistent reporting of implementation processes and outcomes; it concluded that further research is needed to identify effective strategies.
Key findings
- Of 4,475 records identified, 25 studies met the review’s inclusion criteria.
- Staff training and engagement of key stakeholders were the most commonly used implementation strategies.
- The literature had gaps in evidence on implementation and associated outcomes, with inconsistent reporting of implementation processes and outcomes.
Why it matters
Mealtime interventions aim to support swallowing safety and mealtime-related quality of life for people with dysphagia or at risk of malnutrition. Knowing which implementation approaches work is important for translating evidence-based interventions into routine inpatient and aged care practice. This review indicates that the evidence base is not yet sufficient to establish the most effective strategies.
What to keep in mind
The review identified inconsistent reporting of implementation processes and outcomes across the included studies, limiting the evidence available to compare strategies.