Long-term or residential services are designed to support older people who experience challenges to their physical and mental health. These services play an important role in the health and well-being of older adults who are more susceptible to problems such as malnutrition. Estimates of the significance of malnutrition require up-to-date prevalence data to inform government strategies and regulation, but these data are not currently available in Australia. The aim of this study was to collect malnutrition prevalence data on a large sample of people living in residential aged care facilities in Australia. A secondary aim was to examine the relationship between malnutrition and anthropometry (body mass index (BMI) and weight loss). This prevalence study utilised baseline data collected as part of a longitudinal study of malnutrition in 10 Residential Aged Care facilities across three states in Australia (New South Wales, South Australia, and Queensland). The malnutrition status of eligible residents was assessed by dietitians and trained student dietitians using the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) with residents categorised into SGA-A = well nourished, SGA-B = mildly/moderately malnourished, and SGA-C = severely malnourished. Other data were extracted from the electronic record. Of the 833 listed residents, 711 residents were eligible and had sufficient data to be included in the analysis. Residents were predominantly female (63%) with a mean (SD) age of 84 (8.36) years and a mean (SD) BMI of 26.74 (6.59) kg/m². A total of 40% of residents were categorised as malnourished with 34% (n = 241) categorised as SGA-B, and 6% (n = 42) SGA-C. Compared to the SGA, BMI and weight loss categorisation of malnutrition demonstrated low sensitivity and high specificity. These findings provide recent, valid data on malnutrition prevalence and highlight the limitations of current Australian practices that rely on anthropometric measures that under-detect malnutrition. There is an urgent need to implement a feasible aged care resident screening program to address the highly prevalent condition of malnutrition in Australia.

To explore the experience of international nursing graduates from Kiribati transitioning into practice in RACFs, upon completion of their bachelor of nursing degree in Australia. This study used an interpretive phenomenology design with two focus groups. A thematic analysis of the transcripts from the focus groups generated themes relating to the graduates personal journey through transition. This study was conducted with graduates working in residential aged care facilities [RACF]. I-Kiribati nursing graduates (N=6) who have been practicing for 1year in RACF. The experience of transition for the I-Kiribati graduates related to challenges faced during this time. Three themes were developed from the analysis: being unsure of expectations, understanding responsibilities of practice, and stepping up to the RN role. The influence of culture was apparent within the three themes. Overall, the transition to RACFs for the participants was difficult; however, students described increased confidence to work through professional and cultural challenges. They became more reliant on their own knowledge and skills as they matured as practitioners. Recommendations for improving the transition experience include transitional support and educational workshops related specifically to working in RACF. Tailoring workshops to the specific needs of international graduate nurses would assist their transition in relation to cultural differences.