RDs' Role Involvement and Influencing Factors in the Decision Making Processes for PEG Placement in the Elderly

• Published in: Journal of the American Dietetic Association 2011-09, Vol.111 (9), p.A21-A21
• Main Authors: Szeto, M, O'Sullivan Maillet, J, Brody, R.A, Parrott, J.S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Decision making; Dietitians; Gastroenterology and Hepatology; Internal Medicine; Older people; Placement
• ISSN: 0002-8223; 2212-2672; 1878-3570; 2212-2680
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jada.2011.06.071

An abstract of a study by Szeto et al exploring Registered Dietitians' (RDs) roles in the decision making processes for PEG placement, describing ethical climate in their workplace and examining the relationship between these two constructs, is presented. Results show that Sixty-seven RDs met inclusion criteria. The majority (96.9%, n = 64) thought RDs had a role in decision making processes. The two patients/families related roles the majority (49.1% ,n = 28) of RDs were always involved in were identifying relevant nutrition issues and discussing feeding options and alternatives. A moderate to strong positive relationship between RDs' roles with patients/families and ethical climate in relation to physicians in their workplace. r.321. p = 0.0lG was found. There was a moderate to strong positive relationship between RDs' roles and adequacy of knowledge, r = .465, p < 0.001 and adequacy of skills, r = .520, P < 0.001. There was a strong positive relationship between RDs' roles and their role satisfaction, r = .554, P < 0.001. They conclude that a positive working relationship with physicians, and knowledge, skills and role satisfaction significantly increase RDs role involvement with patients/families in decision making processes for PEG placement in the elderly.