Austin Health Patient Mealtime Experience Tool a Valid and Reliable Tool​

Abstract

King S1, Lassemillante, A 2,3, Tirlea, L2, Harris M, 2 Furness K 2,3, Keenan S2, Desneves, K1

Austin Health Patient Mealtime Experience Tool a Valid and Reliable Tool.

1. Austin Health, Nutrition & Dietetics Department, Heidelberg, Vic., Australia; 2. Swinburne University, Department of Nursing & Allied Health, Hawthorn, Vic., Australia; 3. La Trobe University, Department of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Bundoora, Vic., Australia

Aim This study aims to determine the internal reliability and construct validity including factor structure of the new Austin Health Patient Mealtime Experience Tool (AHPMET) against a similar validated tool, Acute Care Hospital Foodservice Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (ACHFPSQ).

Methods Tool design and data collection were conducted at Austin Health over an 18-month period. Items included in the tool were derived from the literature and qualitative interviews with patients, patients’ families, dietitians, nurses, speech pathologists, consumer engagement staff and food service staff. The tool was validated against the ACHFPSQ. Construct, concurrent, and convergent validity were assessed, and internal consistency and validity were assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and test-retest correlations respectively.

Results The initial survey comprised 26 items across 4 subscales and 149 participants completed the initial survey and ACHFPSQ. Participants recruited were mostly from rehabilitation units. The final validated tool includes 15 items across 3 subscales namely meal quality, barriers to eating food, and staff interactions and assistance. Internal consistency for the overall tool was acceptable (Cronbach’s α =.746) and showed strong positive correlation for test-retest (.726, p<.001, n=98).

Conclusion The AHPMET is a validated and reliable tool for use in the subacute setting. Unlike other validated tools, it measures the multidimensional concept of mealtime experience opposed to just meal satisfaction.

Impact This new validated tool will support ongoing monitoring and evaluation of foodservice operations in hospitals. Future research efforts will focus on the recruitment of participants from acute wards and re-evaluation of the internal reliability and construct validity in that setting.