Dr Julie Cichero

Honorary Associate Professor

School of Pharmacy
Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
j.cichero@uq.edu.au
0421 929 333

Overview

Julie Cichero, PhD is a clinician (SLP), researcher and research professional with more than 25 years clinical and research experience into eating, drinking and swallowing problems (dysphagia). She has made significant contributions to the evidence base for standardised terminology for texture modified food and thick liquids, diagnostic use of swallow-respiratory sounds, characterisation of thick fluids and complexities associated with medication management in dysphagia. Recognised nationally and internationally, Julie is a consultant to professional societies, government organisations, academia, boards and healthcare organisations. As Foundation Co-Chair of IDDSI (Global) for a decade, Julie co-led development of the IDDSI Framework, an initiative to reduce food-related choking risk in vulnerable populations. The IDDSI Framework is used in more than 50 countries around the world.

Research Interests

  • IDDSI including thickened liquids and texture modified foods
    Measurement and standardisation of names and definitions for texture modified foods and thickened liquids used for individuals with dysphagia (feeding and swallowing problems). IDDSI Framework application
  • Tablet / medication swallowing
    Reasons for tablet swallowing difficulty in healthy individuals and those with swallowing problems (dysphagia) as a result of stroke, progressive neurological disease, head injury, head and neck cancer treatment or other conditions
  • Dysphagia screening
    Nurse screening for dysphagia in hospital and aged care settings
  • Cervical auscultation
    Analysis of swallow-respiratory sounds in individuals with swallowing disorders. Cervical auscultation training of clinicians
  • Fussy eating
    Reasons for fussy eating in toddlers, children, adolescents and adults

Research Impacts

Julie works collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to address the complex issues of eating, drinking and swallowing issues (dysphagia). For a decade, Julie was Co-Chair of IDDSI, an international initiative to reduce food-related choking risk in vulnerable populations across the lifespan. The IDDSI Framework is a volunteer initiative that is being rolled out in more than 50 countries around the world, supported by organisations such as the UK’s NHS Improvement, the International Confederation of Dietetic Associations, the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders and more than 18 professional associations. In 2016, the IDDSI Board was given the award for Outstanding International contribution by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. In 2022, SNOMED International and IDDSI signed an agreement to incorporate the IDDSI Frameowrk 2.0 into SNOMED CT to enable use in electronic medical records globally. In Australia, Julie was Speech Pathology Australia’s representative to the 2021 working party and Congress of the Australian Department of Health and Maggie Beer Foundation to improve nutrition and the dining experience in aged care in Australia, and one of the speakers at the invitation only event. In addition to food/drink related swallowing problems, Julie works collaboratively with pharmacists to address the challenges of providing medication to people with swallowing problems. She has contributed to the Society of Hospital Pharmacist's 'Don't Rush to Crush' Handbook since its inception and with updates.

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
  • Bachelor (Honours) of Speech Therapy, The University of Queensland
  • Bachelor of Arts, The University of Queensland

Publications

View all Publications

Publications

Featured Publications

Book

Book Chapter

  • Cichero, J. A.Y. (2015). Texture-modified meals for hospital patients. Modifying food texture: volume 2: sensory analysis, consumer requirements and preferences. (pp. 135-162) edited by Jianshe Chen and Andrew Rosenthal. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/B978-1-78242-334-8.00006-7

  • Cichero, J A Y (2006). Clinical assessment, cervical ausculatation and pulse oximetry. Dysphagia: Foundation, Theory and Practice. (pp. 149-190) edited by J. Cichero and B. Murdoch. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons.

  • Cichero, J A Y (2006). Conditions commonly associated with dysphagia. Dysphagia: Foundation, Theory and Practice. (pp. 237-298) edited by J. Cichero and B. Murdoch. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons.

  • Cichero, J A Y and Langmore, S. (2006). Imaging assessments. Dysphagia: Foundation, Theory and Practice. (pp. 191-234) edited by J. Cichero and B. Murdoch. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons.

  • Cichero, J A Y (2006). Improving swallowing function: Compensation. Dysphagia: Foundation, Theory and Practice. (pp. 319-341) edited by J. Cichero and B. Murdoch. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons.

  • Cichero, J A Y (2006). Respiration and swallowing. Dysphagia: Foundation, Theory and Practice. (pp. 92-111) edited by J. Cichero and B. Murdoch. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons.

  • Cichero, J A Y (2006). Swallowing from infancy to old age. Dysphagia: Foundation, Theory and Practice. (pp. 26-46) edited by J. Cichero and B. Murdoch. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons.

  • Cichero, J A Y (2006). Swallowing rehabilitation. Dysphagia: Foundation, Theory and Practice. (pp. 342-388) edited by J. Cichero and B. Murdoch. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons.

  • Cichero, Julie and Halley, Peter (2006). Variations to the normal swallow. Dysphagia: Foundation, theory and practice. (pp. 47-91) edited by Julie Cichero and Bruce Murdoch. Chichester, West Sussex United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons.

Journal Article

Conference Publication

Other Outputs

  • Cichero, Julie A. Y., Cornwell, Petrea L., Worrall, Linda E., National Stroke Foundation and Expert Working Group (2007). Clinical guidelines for acute stroke management. Melbourne, Australia: National Stroke Foundation.