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Implementing healthy food policies in health services: a qualitative study

journal contribution
posted on 2023-10-24, 23:54 authored by Tara Boelsen-RobinsonTara Boelsen-Robinson, Miranda BlakeMiranda Blake, Kathryn BackholerKathryn Backholer, Janitha Hettiarachchi, Claire Palermo, Anna PeetersAnna Peeters
AIM: In 2012, a large Australian metropolitan health service introduced a healthy food policy, where there was a requirement for food and drinks for sale within retail stores to conform to standards based on macronutrients and energy content. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the experience of those implementing a healthy food retail policy in order to inform the translation of such policies into other organisations. METHODS: A qualitative approach was used, with semistructured interviews exploring informants' involvement in, experiences of, factors affecting and perceived outcomes of policy implementation. Interviews were conducted with seven individuals participating in the introduction of the healthy food retail policy. Results were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Four themes and 21 sub-themes were identified, with analysis interpreted using the socio-ecological model. Participants identified that successful policy implementation hinged on the provision of resources and support by the health service to the retail staff. Trusting relationships between retail and health service staff were built through effective and frequent communication. The fear of tensions between the policy and business income had significantly lessened after implementation. A key factor contributing to this change was the use of low-risk trials to remove less healthy products or introduce new healthier foods. CONCLUSIONS: Implementing a healthy food retail policy within a health service benefits from dedicated resourcing, investment in relationship building with key stakeholders and introducing changes gradually with a long-term approach.

History

Journal

Nutrition and dietetics

Volume

76

Pagination

336-343

Location

Chichester, Eng.

Open access

  • Yes

ISSN

1446-6368

eISSN

1747-0080

Language

eng

Publication classification

C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2018, Dietitians Association of Australia

Issue

3

Publisher

John Wiley & Sons

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