Functions Of Dietitians in Nutrition Support of Patients with Inherited Metabolic Disorders

• Published in: Journal of the American Dietetic Association 1996-09, Vol.96 (9), p.A17-A17
• Main Authors: Acosta, P.B., Ryan, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0002-8223; 1878-3570
• DOI: 10.1016/S0002-8223(96)00370-7

LEARNING OUTCOME: To examine functions of dietitians in nutrition support of patients with inherited metabolic disorders. The purpose of this report is to examine functions of dietitians who provide nutrition services to patients with inherited metabolic disorders (IMDs). A survey questionnaire was developed and piloted in a sample of 10 dietitians, revised, and mailed to all the dietitians (154) who manage patients with IMDs. One hundred percent of the questionnaires were returned but 12 were not usable. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate response frequency. The highest academic degree attained by 52 (37%) dietitians was a Bachelor's, 83 (58%) had earned a Master's, and seven (5%) a doctorate. Seventy-two percent of dietitians responding were interested in certification in nutrition support of patients with IMDs. Dietitians provided nutrition services during diagnosis, critical illness, and long-term care. More than 90% of the dietitians conducted the following functions: evaluated nutrition status; prepared, implemented, and evaluated the nutrition support plan; revised the nutrition support plan as needed; monitored diet compliance; coordinated care with other agencies; developed materials and educated parents, caregivers, and patients about the nutrition support plan; and recorded information in the medical record. Those dietitians who attended graduate lectures on nutrition support of patients with IMDs carried out six nutrition care functions ≥10% more frequently than those without graduate lectures. Dietitians who had attended graduate lectures were more likely (by ≥10%) to educate medical students, residents, medical interns, fellows, teachers, health department personnel, insurance companies, and private physicians about nutrition care of patients with IMDs than those without graduate lectures. Graduate education of dietitians in nutrition support of patients with IMDs may improve nutrition services to these patients. Without such care, these patients may either expire or become mentally retarded.