Exploring the use of transitional foods in feeding and swallowing management
Celine Neo, Elza Low and Grijisha Chandran (2100084@sit.singaporetech.edu.sg, 2103218@sit.singaporetech.edu.sg, 2100148@sit.singaporetech.edu.sg)
This study is the first phase of a larger study looking at innovating transitional foods that are suitable for the local population and context. In management of feeding and swallowing issues (dysphagia), speech and language therapists (SLT) may employ diet and fluid modification listed on the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework as a strategy. One option is transitional food, defined as, food that starts as one texture but changes with temperature or moisture added (IDDSI, 2019). There is scant information about the understanding and use of transitional foods by SLTs in the local context as compared to other well-studied diet options.
The study aims to examine the perspectives and opinions of current SLTs practising in Singapore regarding the classification and use of transitional foods for dysphagia and feeding management. We hypothesise that practising SLTs do not have a uniform understanding of transitional foods in the local context and may have differing opinions regarding implementation of transitional food use. This potentially leads to them avoiding transitional foods as a recommendation within their clinical practice.
This study will employ a mixed-methods research methodology. 90 AHPC-registered SLTs who have managed clients with feeding or swallowing difficulties in the past 5 years will be recruited to complete an online survey on Qualtrics. Participants will be given the option to leave their contact details (i.e. name, handphone number and email address) if they wish to be informed about a future study involving focus group discussions about transitional foods and if they wish to receive a $10 evoucher as a token of appreciation. Thematic analysis with Quirkos will be carried out for the qualitative data collected. Quantitative data e.g. demographic information and 7-point Likert scale responses will be analysed with Stata to generate descriptive statistics and compare group responses according to SLTs’ workplace settings (e.g. public hospital versus community settings versus private practice).