'The company is using the credibility of our profession': exploring experiences and perspectives of registered dietitians from Canada about their interactions with commercial actors using semi-structured interviews.

OBJECTIVE: To gain insight into the experiences and perspectives of registered dietitians (RD) in Canada regarding their interactions with commercial actors and actions undertaken to manage these interactions. DESIGN: Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews combined with a document analysis. SETTING: Quebec, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: RD aged ≥ 18 years (n 18). RESULTS: All participants reported interacting with commercial actors during their careers, such as receiving continuing education provided or sponsored by food companies. RD in Quebec perceive these interactions as either trivial or acceptable, depending on the commercial actor or interaction type. Participants discussed how certain interactions could represent a threat to the credibility and public trust in dietitians, among other risks. They also discussed the benefits of these interactions, such as the possibility for professionals to improve the food supply and public health by sharing their knowledge and expertise. Participants reported ten mechanisms used to manage interactions with commercial actors, such as following a code of ethics (individual level) and policies such as partnerships policy (institutional level). Finally, RD also stressed the need for training and more explicit and specific tools for managing interactions with commercial actors. CONCLUSIONS: RD in Quebec, Canada, may engage with commercial actors in their profession and hold nuanced perspectives on this matter. While some measures are in place to regulate these interactions, they are neither standardised nor evaluated for their effectiveness. To maintain the public's trust in RD, promoting awareness and developing training on this issue is essential.

Tenets for Increasing Access to Nutrition Care Delivered Via Telehealth: Recommendations from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Telehealth Task Force.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics' Telehealth Task Force was charged with developing a telehealth policy stance to guide the work of the Academy. The task force was comprised of representatives from diverse areas of telehealth practice including research, practice, payment, and licensure. They convened in 2020-2021 to conduct an environmental scan and develop a recommended stance on telehealth policy. The tenets of the resulting telehealth stance are: 1) Nutrition care services are critical to comprehensive health care delivery systems and should be covered when provided via telehealth under the same coverage and payment policies as in-person care; 2) Patients should have coverage for telehealth delivered via audio-only if they cannot effectively access or utilize audio-visual technologies; 3) In declared emergency situations when access to qualified providers is otherwise severely impacted, the modification of certain consumer protection policies, such as licensure and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act requirements, may be appropriate; 4) Public funding and support for broadband internet, technology, digital literacy education, and language services are necessary to address racial, economic, and geographic health disparities and to address disabilities; and 5) Publicly funded research on telehealth should be nationally representative and include a wide variety of services and providers, including nutrition care services provided by registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered. The telehealth policy stance was formally adopted by the Academy in April 2021.

Cultural Perspectives on the Efficacy and Adoption of the Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet across Diverse Ethnicities: A Case-Based Overview.

BACKGROUND: The Crohn's Disease Exclusion Diet (CDED) is a whole-foods regimen that has demonstrated efficacy in inducing remission among children and adults with mild-to-moderate disease. While initial studies predominantly originated from Israel, recent years have witnessed the expansion of experiences to diverse cultures, culminating in the recognition of CDED in the latest ESPEN guidelines. However, implementing dietary therapy poses significant challenges across various cultures, necessitating adaptations. AIM AND METHODS: This case-based study aims to present the collective experience from different cultures, shedding light on the encountered challenges and the corresponding solutions devised to surmount them by convening healthcare providers (dietitians and physicians across six countries and eight cultural settings) with extensive experience in utilizing the CDED. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the efficacy of CDED across diverse cultural contexts and emphasize the pivotal role of dietitians in tailoring the diet to accommodate patients' cultural behaviors and traditions. We highlight challenges encountered and delineate strategies for overcoming them by customizing the diet and offering tailored guidance. Additionally, we provide insights into implementing CDED in various regions through adjusted recipes and personalized counseling from dietitians. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on CDED, and offers practical guidance for its effective adoption in diverse cultural settings.

Dietitians' practices in dialysis units in Brazil: nutritional assessment and intervention / Práticas de nutricionistas em unidades de diálise no Brasil: avaliação e intervenção nutricionais

ABSTRACT Introduction: The importance of dietitians in dialysis units is indisputable and mandatory in Brazil, but little is known about the practices adopted by these professionals. Objective: To know practices adopted in routine nutritional care, focusing on nutritional assessment tools and treatment strategies for people at risk or diagnosed with malnutrition. Methodology: Electronic questionnaire disseminated on social media and messaging applications. It included questions that covered dietitians' demographic and occupational profile characteristics and of the dialysis unit, use and frequency of nutritional assessment tools, nutritional intervention strategies in cases of risk or diagnosis of malnutrition, prescription and access to oral supplements. Results: Twenty four percent of the Brazilian dialysis units (n = 207) responded electronically. The most used nutritional assessment tools with or without a pre-established frequency were dietary surveys (96%) and Subjective Global Assessment (83%). The strategies in cases of risk or presence of malnutrition used most frequently (almost always/always) were instructions to increase energy and protein intake from foods (97%), and increasing the frequency of visits (88%). The frequency of prescribing commercial supplements with standard and specialized formulas was quite similar. The availability of dietary supplements by the public healthcare system to patients varied between regions. Conclusion: Most dietitians use various nutritional assessment tools and intervention strategies in cases of risk or malnutrition; however, the frequency of use of such tools and strategies varied substantially.

Resumo Introdução: A importância da atuação do nutricionista em unidades de diálise é indiscutível e obrigatória no Brasil, porém pouco sabemos sobre as práticas adotadas por esses profissionais. Objetivo: Conhecer práticas adotadas na rotina dos atendimentos nutricionais, com foco nas ferramentas de avaliação nutricional e nas estratégias de tratamento das pessoas com risco ou diagnóstico de desnutrição. Metodologia: Questionário eletrônico divulgado em mídias sociais e aplicativos de mensagens. Incluiu questões que abrangiam características do perfil demográfico e ocupacional do profissional e da unidade de diálise, utilização e frequência de ferramentas de avaliação nutricional, estratégias de intervenção nutricional em casos de risco ou diagnóstico de desnutrição e prescrição e acesso a suplementos alimentares orais. Resultados: Foram recebidos eletronicamente o equivalente a 24% das unidades de diálise brasileiras (n = 207). As ferramentas de avaliação nutricional mais utilizadas com ou sem frequência pré-estabelecida foram inquéritos dietéticos (96%) e Avaliação Global Subjetiva (83%). As estratégias em casos de risco ou presença de desnutrição utilizadas com mais frequência (quase sempre/sempre) foram a orientação de incremento energético e proteico por meio de alimentos (97%) e o aumento da periodicidade das visitas (88%). A frequência de prescrição de suplemento industrializado de fórmula padrão e especializada foi bastante semelhante. A disponibilização de suplementos alimentares pelo Sistema Único de Saúde aos pacientes variou entre as regiões. Conclusão: A maior parte dos nutricionistas utiliza diversas ferramentas de avaliação nutricional e estratégias de intervenção em casos de risco ou desnutrição, porém a frequência de utilização de tais ferramentas e estratégias foi bastante variada.

Preprofessional Identity of Nutrition and Dietetics Students in Australia.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the preprofessional identity of undergraduate nutrition and dietetic students to guide curriculum development to better support the expectations of students and promote career readiness in a changing profession. DESIGN: Qualitative focus group discussions in March, 2021. SETTING: An Australian university. PARTICIPANTS: First-year students enrolled in the Bachelor of Nutrition (n = 50) or Bachelor of Dietetics (n = 58) at the University of the Sunshine Coast. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Student sociodemographics, motivations for and influences on career choice and preprofessional identity, expectations of professional competency and practice, degree, and career expectations. ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics were conducted, and focus group discussions were analyzed using the Framework Approach. RESULTS: Motivations and skills were consistent across both cohorts, centering on an interest in nutrition and respectful, professional conduct and communication. Expectations were similar across both degrees, with a focus on placement, real-world learning experiences, and staff support. Career expectations for both cohorts included business ownership. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This research provided an understanding of students' preprofessional identity, which was similar for both nutrition and dietetics students. Motivations identified in this research can be used to inform activities across nutrition and dietetic programs that support career readiness.

Informing Evidence-based Practice in Nutritional Genomics: An Educational Needs Assessment of Nutrition Care Providers in Canada.

Purpose: To investigate why Canadian nutrition care providers choose, or not, to integrate nutritional genomics into practice, and to evaluate the nutritional genomics training/education experiences and needs of nutrition providers in Canada, while comparing those of dietitians to non-dietitians.Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed across Canada from June 2021 to April 2022.Results: In total, 457 healthcare providers (HCPs) [n = 371 dietitians (81.2%)] met the inclusion criteria. The majority (n = 372; 82.1%) reported having no experience offering nutritional genomics to clients (n = 4 did not respond). Of the 81 respondents with experience (17.9%), the most common reason to integrate nutrigenetic testing into practice was the perception that clients would be more motivated to change their eating habits (70.4%), while the most common reason for not integrating such tests was the perception that the nutrigenetic testing process is too complicated (n = 313; 84.1%). Dietitians were more likely than non-dietitians to view existing scientific evidence as an important educational topic (p = 0.002). The most selected useful educational resource by all HCPs was clinical practice guidelines (n = 364; 85.4%).Conclusions: Both dietitians and non-dietitians express a desire for greater nutritional genomics training/education; specific educational needs differ by type of HCP. Low implementation of nutrigenetic testing may be partly attributed to other identified barriers.

Attitudes and Practices of Dietitians Regarding Gut Microbiota in Health-An Online Survey of the European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD).

Explorations of the current attitudes and practices of dietitians regarding the gut microbiota in health are scarce. In this online survey, we assessed the attitudes and practices of dietitians across Europe concerning gut microbiome parameters and the manipulation of the gut microbiota. Pre-graduate dietetic students and other professionals were also invited to participate. The potential interest and preferences of the participants for future educational initiatives about the gut microbiota and the educational resources used were further explored. A total of 179 full responses were recorded (dietitians, n = 155), mainly from the southern and western regions. Most of the participants (>90.0%) believed that probiotics and prebiotics have a place in nutritional practice and that fermented foods with live microbial cultures should be a part of food-based dietary guidelines. A strong belief in the beneficial roles of probiotics and prebiotics in some health situations was also reported among the participants. Most of the dietitians recognised the importance of gut microbiota manipulation and advised the use of probiotics and prebiotics in dietary practice, and they felt quite confident applying the relevant information in their daily practice. Nevertheless, misconceptions were identified, and further guideline-oriented education is necessary. The interest in future e-learning initiatives was high among the participants, and the sources of knowledge, educative formats, and potential areas for further educational efforts were indicated.

'My words would have more weight': exploring weight stigma in UK dietetic practice and dietitian's lived experiences of weight stigma.

BACKGROUND: Weight stigma is pervasive within healthcare and negatively impacts both access to care and the patient-practitioner relationship. There is limited evidence on weight stigma among registered dietitians, particularly in the United Kingdom, though data show weight-related prejudice towards people living with obesity. The aim of this study was to examine both explicit and implicit weight stigma in practicing dietitians in the United Kingdom, as well as the lived experience of weight stigma among dietitians, both towards themselves and towards others. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was disseminated between February and May 2022 using snowball sampling. Inclusion criteria were that participants were UK registered dietitians aged 20-70 years. RESULTS: Four hundred and two dietitians responded to the survey (female [94.1%], mean age 40.2 years [standard deviation (SD) 10.7]; White ethnicity [90%]; median 12 years [interquartile range (IQR) 6, 22] within dietetic practice). Mean self-reported body mass index was 25.1 kg/m² (SD 8.7). Most dietitians reported experiencing weight stigma prior to (51%) and postregistration (59.7%), whereas nearly a quarter (21.1%) felt that weight influenced their ability as a dietitian. Weight stigma was experienced across the weight spectrum. Overall participants reported explicit weight bias attitudes, moderate beliefs that obesity is controllable and implicit antifat bias. Within open-ended responses, dietitians reported three key themes related to their personal experiences of weight stigma: (1) experiences of stigma in dietetic practice, (2) impact of weight stigma and (3) perception of weight, appearance and job. CONCLUSION: This study shows that UK dietitians exhibit both explicit and implicit weight bias towards people living with obesity. Dietitians reported experiencing weight stigma, which impacted their career-related decisions and their perception of their own ability to perform as dietitians. The study highlights the need to address weight stigma and its implications within the dietetic profession.

Malnutrition Prevalence in Australian Residential Aged Care Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Study.

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.

Determinants for Mediterranean diet adherence beyond the boundaries: a cross-sectional study from Sharjah, the United Arab Emirates.

BACKGROUND: Substantial evidence embraced the nutrition competence of the Mediterranean diet (MD) as a healthy model for decreasing the risk of chronic diseases and increasing longevity, with the bonus of ensuring environmental sustainability. Measuring adherence to this diet is marginally investigated in the Arabian Gulf region, an area away from the Mediterranean region. The current study aimed to assess the MD adherence among adults in Sharjah/the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and to identify the most influential predictors for MD adherence among the study participants. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was employed using a self-reported, web-based electronic questionnaire that questioned sociodemographics, lifestyle factors, and familiarity with the MD. The MD adherence was assessed by the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener validated questionnaire. The adherence level was classified as low for a total score of [0-5], medium [score 6-7], and high (8-13). RESULTS: The study included 1314 participants (age 25-52 years) comprised 822 (62.6%) females and 492 (37.4%) males. There was a moderate adherence score (5.9 ± 1.9) among the study participants. The food constituent expressed the lowest contribution to the MD was fish (9.3%), followed by fruits (12.3%), and legumes (18.3%). The multivariable linear regression analysis showed an overall significant linear trend for the association between the MD adherence score and physical activity, while nutrition information from dietitians and social media were the most two strongly related predictors for the higher adherence (ß = 0.747; 95% CI 0.51-0.98, and ß 0.60; 95% CI 0.269-0.93; p < 0.001, respectively). On the other side, being a smoker and from a non-Mediterranean country was associated with lower adherence scores (ß = 0.538; 95% CI 0.252-0.82, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study showed a moderate adherence, low proportion for high adherence, and a gap in the familiarity with the diet name. Being married, physically active, non-smoker, and getting nutrition information from dietitians and social media were the strongest predictors for higher adherence. It is warranted that public health and nutrition specialists/dietitians to tailor new modern approaches for promoting healthy dietary behaviours consistent with the MD.

Dietitians' perceptions of employment models used in Australian residential aged care facilities.

OBJECTIVES: The qualitative study aimed to explore dietitians' perceptions of employment status and engagement models with residential aged care facilities (RACF) and the impact on work activities and resident care. METHODS: Dietitians currently working in RACF were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling, including contacting a list of dietitians who had previously consented to be contacted for research. A semi-structured interview guide was developed by the research team, pilot-tested and then used in each individual interview. Data were analysed using constant comparison and reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-one dietitians (n = 29 female; median age, 39 years) with a range of experience working in different employment status and engagement models in RACF participated in an interview. Five themes were identified: (1) Being an employee allows for better integration and utilisation in the RACF, (2) Contract work creates a scarcity of time, (3) Ad hoc work does not meaningfully address nutrition challenges and may not be good for resident care, (4) Regularly scheduled visits support positive outcomes for residents and (5) Acknowledging many different employment models. CONCLUSION: Characteristics of engagement models likely affect dietitian work job satisfaction, individual resident care and food service in RACF. Regular dietetic engagement in RACFs is required to support resident-centred evidence-based dietetic practice and to improve residents' nutrition care. There is an opportunity for policy mandates to assist RACFs in regularly engaging a dietitian to ensure all residents have access to timely, high-quality nutrition care.

Implementation of evidence-based medicine in dietetic practice: Current status and hurdles in Italy.

Background: Health professionals, including dietitians, should adapt their clinical daily practice to evidence-based practice (EBP), but this does not happen often in daily practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the current status and barriers to evidence-based practice among dietitians. Methods: This was a mixed-method, cross-sectional, national study (questionnaire and focus group) performed on working and registered dietitians, both self-employed and employed by public hospitals. The main outcomes were EBP knowledge, frequency of use, and proficiency scores. Barriers to EBP implementation were also collected, as well as qualitative information from the focus group. Results: Forty-three dietitians were enrolled from August to November 2021 in Italy. Overall, EBP knowledge was moderate/good. Younger dietitians (< 50 years old) obtained better results than their older colleagues. A similar trend was observed in terms of seniority. There was a discrepancy between EBP knowledge and perception of EBP implementation: the worst scores were obtained by participants who claimed an already complete integration of EBP. The average frequency of EBP use was moderate, with higher scores in dietitians ≥ 50 years old and with seniority ≥ 20 years. EBP proficiency instead was poor. The focus group revealed a lack of time and resistance to change as the main barriers. Conclusion: The importance of EBP is well-acknowledged, but it is not correctly implemented yet, because of identified barriers that need to be fixed. These barriers include a lack of dedicated time, inadequate EBP training, and resistance to change, especially in hierarchical environments.

'Through education, we can make change': A design thinking approach to entry-level dietetics education regarding eating disorders.

AIMS: To co-create strategies and identify opportunities to integrate eating disorder content within dietetics curricula at one Australian university with stakeholders using a design thinking approach. METHODS: A pragmatic mixed-methods, participatory design approach was used. An online survey explored the learning needs of dietetic students and recent graduates regarding eating disorders. Following the survey, a one-day design thinking retreat was held with stakeholders who were identified from the research team's professional networks. Eating disorder dietitians, learning experts, dietetic students, graduates, and those with lived experience were asked to identify strategies to enhance students' confidence and competence to provide care for people living with eating disorders. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative data were analysed using inductive coding and reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Sixty-four students (n = 55, 86%) and recent graduates (n = 9, 14%) completed the online survey (26% response). Seventeen stakeholders attended the retreat. Four themes were identified: (1) changing perceptions of eating disorder care from specialist to 'core business'; (2) desiring and advocating for a national change to dietetics curricula; (3) importance of lived experience at the centre of curriculum design and delivery; and (4) collaborating to co-design and deliver eating disorder content at university. CONCLUSION: Raising awareness, upskilling students and educators, enhanced collaboration between universities and stakeholders, and the inclusion of lived experience were key to preparing students to provide care to people seeking support for eating disorders. Further research is needed to assess the impact these strategies have on dietetic students' confidence and competence.

Medical nutrition therapy provided by a dietitian improves outcomes in adults with prehypertension or hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Interventions with dietitians can help modify dietary intake and reduce hypertension risk. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to examine the following research question: In adults with prehypertension or hypertension, what is the effect of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) provided by a dietitian on blood pressure (BP), CVD risk and events, and anthropometrics compared with standard care or no intervention? METHODS: MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in peer-reviewed journals from 1985-2022. Risk of bias was assessed using version 2 of the Cochrane tool for RCTs. Meta-analyses were conducted using the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. Certainty of evidence (COE) was assessed for each outcome using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment and Evaluation method. RESULTS: Forty articles representing 31 RCTs were included and analyzed. MNT provided by a dietitian may reduce systolic [mean difference (MD): -3.63 mmHg; 95% confidence interval (CI): -4.35, -2.91 mmHg] and diastolic (MD: -2.02 mmHg; 95% CI: -2.56, -1.49 mmHg) BP (P < 0.001) and body weight (MD: -1.84 kg; 95% CI: -2.72, -0.96 kg; P < 0.001) and improve antihypertensive medication usage, relative risk of stroke (MD: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.81; P = 0.02), and CVD risk score [standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.20; 95% CI: -0.30, -0.09; P < 0.001] compared with control participants, and COE was moderate. Additionally, MNT may reduce arterial stiffness (SMD: -0.45; 95% CI: -0.71, -0.19; P = 0.008) and waist circumference (SMD: -1.18 cm; 95% CI: -2.00, -0.36; P = 0.04), and COE was low. There was no significant difference in risk of myocardial infarction between groups. Dietitian interventions reduced BP and related cardiovascular outcomes for adults with prehypertension or hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Dietitians play a critical role in improving cardiometabolic risk factors for adults with elevated BP; thus, improved payment for and access to MNT services has the potential to significantly impact public health. This review was registered at PROSPERO as CRD42022351693.

Exploring dietitians' views on digital nutrition educational tools in Malaysia: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Dietitians frequently use nutrition education tools to facilitate dietary counselling sessions. Nevertheless, these tools may require adaptation to keep pace with technological advancements. This study had a 2-fold purpose: first, to identify the types of nutrition education tools currently in use, identify their limitations, and explore dietitians' perspectives on the importance of these tools; second, to investigate the features that dietitians prefer in digital nutrition education tools. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A semi-structured face-to-face interview was conducted among 15 dietitians from selected public hospitals, primary care clinics, and teaching hospitals in Malaysia. Inductive thematic analysis of the responses was conducted using NVivo version 12 software. RESULTS: Most dietitians used physical education tools including the healthy plate model, pamphlets, food models, and flip charts. These tools were perceived as important as they facilitate the nutrition assessment process, deliver nutrition intervention, and are time efficient. However, dietitians described the current educational tools as impersonal, outdated, limited in availability due to financial constraints, unhandy, and difficult to visualise. Alternatively, they strongly favoured digital education tools that provided instant feedback, utilised an automated system, included a local food database, were user-friendly, developed by experts in the field, and seamlessly integrated into the healthcare system. CONCLUSION: Presently, although dietitians have a preference for digital educational tools, they heavily rely on physical nutrition education tools due to their availability despite the perception that these tools are outdated, impersonal, and inconvenient. Transitioning to digital dietary education tools could potentially address these issues.

Monitoring Food Affordability: Reliability and Validity of an Online Nutritious Food Basket.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of an online approach to monitoring food affordability in Ontario using the updated Ontario Nutritious Food Basket (ONFB).Methods: The ONFB was priced online in 12 large multi-chain grocery stores to test intra-/inter-rater reliability using percent agreement and intra-class correlations (ICCs). Then, the ONFB was priced in-store and online in 28 stores to estimate food price differences using paired t-tests and Pearson's correlation for all (n =1708) and matched items (same product/brand and purchase unit) (n = 1134).Results: Intra-/inter-rater agreement was high (95.4%/81.6%; ICC = 0.972, F = 69.9, p < 0.001). On average, in-store prices were less than $0.02 lower than online prices. There were no significant differences between mean in-store and online prices for all items (t = 0.504 p = 0.614). The mean price was almost perfectly correlated between in-store and online (fully matched: R = 0.993 p < 0.001; all items: R = 0.967 p < 0.001). Online monthly ONFB estimates for a family of four were strongly correlated (R = 0.937 p < 0.001) with estimates calculated using in-store data.Conclusions: Online pricing is a reliable and valid approach to food costing in Ontario that contributes to modernizing the monitoring of food affordability in Canada and abroad.

Knowledge and clinical practice of ASPEN registered dietitian nutritionist members regarding blenderized tube feedings.

BACKGROUND: Blenderized tube feedings (BTFs) are used by patients/caregivers who report improvements in gastrointestinal tolerance compared with standard commercial feedings. Despite positive outcomes, registered dietitian nutritionists or international equivalents (RDN/Is) hesitate to recommend BTFs. We aimed to determine if an association exists between dietitian characteristics and willingness to recommend BTFs. METHODS: A BTF-specific survey (N = 157) assessed for validity and reliability was administered to the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) RDN/I members. Binary logistic regression analyses examined the association between age, years of clinical practice, BTF training/education, patient population served, and willingness to recommend BTFs. RESULTS: The response rate was 4.3% of ASPEN RDN/I members. Most respondents were White females with a median age of 39.0 years and 12 years of clinical experience. Although 98.7% of respondents expressed a willingness to support and 73% to recommend BTFs, 60% were not using BTFs in clinical practice. For 94.8% of RDN/Is, the primary reason for BTF use was patient/caregiver requests. After adjustment for age and years of clinical practice, RDN/Is who served pediatric populations (odds ratio [OR] = 4.28; 95% CI, 1.52-12.09) or used three or more professional resources (OR = 2.49; 95% CI, 1.12-5.57), industry-sponsored resources (OR = 3.15; 95% CI, 1.39-7.15), or one or more experiential learning resources (OR = 3.14; 95% CI, 1.38-7.17) were more likely to recommend BTFs whereas those serving adults were less likely to recommend BTFs (OR = 0.33; 95% CI, 0.12-0.95). CONCLUSION: Pediatric RDN/Is and individuals with BTF-specific education/training were more inclined to recommend BTFs.

Effectiveness of Nutritional Intervention Led by Clinical Dietitian in Patients at Risk of Malnutrition at the Primary Healthcare Level in Slovenia - Evaluation Study.

Introduction: Clinical dietitians play a crucial role in the nutritional support of patients at risk of malnutrition in primary care settings. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of an individualized nutritional intervention on clinically relevant outcomes for patients with chronic disease at nutritional risk. Methods: A longitudinal evaluation study was conducted in two Slovenian primary health centres. We used pre-test and post-test design. Patients with chronic disease were screened using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool and additional risk factors (≥70 years and BMI <22 kg/m2; lower food intake in the last five days). Patients at nutritional risk were referred to a clinical dietitian for individual nutritional intervention. The effect of the nutritional intervention was assessed six months after the patients' first visit with a clinical dietitian. Results: The sample included 94 patients. Nutritional risk was reduced significantly in high-risk and moderate-risk patients. In a subgroup of patients with a MUST score ≥1 (77 patients), body weight, BMI, Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI), energy intake, and protein intake increased significantly (p<0.001). At the same time, the phase angle significantly increased (p<0.001), but there were no statistically significant changes in the improvement of grip strength. In a subgroup of patients with MUST score 0 (17 patients), we observed an increase in their median daily energy intake (p<0.001) and median protein intake (p=0.003). Conclusion: Nutritional intervention delivered by a clinical dietitian improved patients' nutritional intake and nutritional and functional status.

Knowledge of Dietitians on Gut Microbiota in Health-An Online Survey of the European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD).

Explorations of current knowledge of dietitians about gut-health interconnection and the role of diet in gut microbiota manipulation are rather scarce in the literature. In this online survey we assessed the perceived and current knowledge of dietitians across Europe about gut microbiota and systemic health, nutrition as a modulator of the gut ecosystem, and the role of probiotics and prebiotics. Pre-graduate dietetic students and other professionals were also invited to participate. A total of 179 full responses were recorded (dietitians, n = 155), mainly from Southern and Western regions. Most participants (>78.0%) reported an average to good level of perceived knowledge, with significant positive correlations between perceived and current knowledge in all sections and overall (p for all <0.05). Nevertheless, a rather low current knowledge scoring of participants about probiotics and prebiotics was observed. Features such as being a dietitian, having a higher educational level as dietitian and working in an academic/research setting were usually associated with higher current knowledge. Further analysis revealed that dietitians had a trend for higher scoring about probiotics and prebiotics compared to pre-graduate students or other professionals. Moreover, for dietitians, working in an academic or research setting was an independent factor for scoring in the highest quartile in all tested sections and overall (p for all <0.05). In conclusion, this online survey shed some light on the current knowledge of dietitians across Europe about gut microbiota parameters, including dietary modulation, highlighting in parallel possible knowledge determinants. Potential areas for future educational efforts in this rather unexplored field were indicated.

Demographic and occupational profile of dietitians working in dialysis centers in Brazil / Perfil demográfico e ocupacional de nutricionistas que atuam em unidades de diálise no Brasil

ABSTRACT Introduction: In 2004, the Ministry of Health stipulated that dialysis centers were required to have at least one dietitian on their staff. However, the regulation did not include recommendations regarding the number of dietitians or the workload based on the number of patients assisted. Objective: To describe the demographic and occupational profiles of dietitians working in dialysis centers in Brazil. Methodology: An electronic questionnaire was disseminated in social media and messaging apps with questions about the demographic and occupational profile of dietitians working in dialysis centers and matters related to patient care. Results: A total of 207 questionnaires were answered, covering 24% of the dialysis centers in Brazil. More than half of the dietitians (58%) had worked for more than five years in dialysis centers, and 83% reported additional training in Nephrology. The median (interquartile range) number of patients per monthly working hour was 1.6 (1.0-2.3). Considering all dialysis centers, 64% of the patients were seen at least once a month. Differences in demographic/occupational profiles and patient care were associated with workload, the main source of dialysis funding, and Brazilian geographical region. Conclusion: Most dietitians were experienced and trained in Nephrology. Substantial variability was found in the number of patients per dietitian workload, and proportion of patients receiving monthly nutritional care. Further studies are needed to discuss the demands of dietitians, dialysis centers, and patients.

RESUMO Introdução: Em 2004, o Ministério da Saúde estabeleceu que cada serviço de diálise deve ter no mínimo um nutricionista vinculado a ele. Porém, a regulamentação não incluiu recomendações em relação ao número de profissionais ou à carga horária de acordo com o número de pacientes assistidos. Objetivo: Conhecer o perfil e as práticas de nutricionistas que atuam em unidades de diálise brasileiras. Metodologia: O questionário eletrônico divulgado em mídias sociais e aplicativos de mensagens incluiu questões que abrangiam características do perfil demográfico e ocupacional do profissional e da unidade de diálise, além de perguntas relacionadas ao atendimento dos pacientes. Resultados: Foram recebidos eletronicamente 207 questionários, o equivalente a 24% das unidades de diálise brasileiras. Mais da metade dos nutricionistas (58%) atuava havia mais de cinco anos em unidades de diálise e 83% referiram formação complementar na área da Nefrologia. A mediana (interquartis) do número de pacientes por hora mensal de trabalho foi 1,6 (1,0-2,3). Considerando todas as unidades, o percentual de pacientes atendidos mensalmente foi correspondente a 64%. Diferenças no perfil e nas práticas foram encontradas de acordo com a carga horária, principal fonte financiadora da unidade de diálise e região demográfica brasileira. Conclusão: A maioria dos nutricionistas tem boa experiência e formação na área. Foi encontrada uma grande variabilidade em relação ao número de pacientes por carga horária do profissional e do percentual de indivíduos que recebiam atendimento nutricional mensal. São necessárias investigações que avaliem questões relacionadas tanto às demandas dos profissionais quanto às das unidades contratantes e dos pacientes.