Medicine administration errors are twice as frequent in people with dysphagia than in those without. Medicine administration is particularly critical for people with Parkinson's disease where late, or missed doses reduce medicine effectiveness and impact on the quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the current medicine administration practices of people with Parkinson's disease in New Zealand. A self-administered online survey was developed by an interprofessional group including people with Parkinson's disease (the primary stakeholders), speech-language pathologists and pharmacists. The survey was administered using a cross-sectional study design and asked respondents about self-reported swallowing difficulties [using Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10)], medicine regimes and strategies used to swallow medicines. Seventy-one people with Parkinson's disease responded to the survey (69% male, mean age 72 years, mean years with Parkinson's disease 9 years). Respondents reported complex daily multi-medicine consumption (mean no. of pills 11, range 2-25). Analyses showed that 57% of respondents scored outside the normal range for EAT-10 (> 3) with 57% complaining of difficulties with pills. Many respondents admitted to missing medicines and requiring external reminders. Multiple strategies for swallowing pills were described including crushing tablets, using yoghurt or fruit juice, and swallowing strategies (such as head tilt, effortful swallow, chin down and altered pill placement in the mouth). Medicine administration is complex and challenging for people with Parkinson's disease. The development of educational packages for people with Parkinson's disease, their carers and health professionals is much needed.

Food service plays an important role in optimising residential aged care facilities (RACFs) residents' health with mealtime satisfaction a critical component. One third of residents consume texture-modified diets (TMDs). This study investigated satisfaction of TMDs in RACFs collecting documentation audit and interviews with residents and their carers at 12 RACFs. Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA-SF®) were completed. Inclusion criteria was residents receiving commercially prepared nutrient-fortified TMD meals. 67 residents (aged 68-99yrs) were audited and 39 were interviewed. 97% of residents had documented cognitive impairment. 84% had elevated EAT-10 and 97% were at risk of malnutrition on MNA-SF®. The majority (>80%) of residents were satisfied with the flavour of their meals. Residents in RACFs receiving TMDs have complex medical issues, dysphagia and malnutrition risk. Yet, two thirds of residents were able to offer suggestions for mealtime improvements. Food services should not discount their contributions in menu planning.