Ethical and technical aspects of Nutrition teleconsultation in COVID-19 days

Abstract

Objective The aim of the present work was to identify, summarize and review the main scientific articles, guiding documents, and legal aspects of Nutrition teleconsultation. Methods The study consisted of a narrative review and documental analyses. The narrative review was performed between March and April, 2021, in the PubMed, Scopus and Lilacs databases. The websites of the Federal Council of Nutritionists, the Regional Councils of Nutritionists and the Brazilian Association of Food and Nutrition were browsed for the documental analysis. Results This article presents the main aspects of Nutrition teleconsultation in Brazil and in the world, both technical (practice, request for laboratory exams, prescription of dietary supplements, service disclosure, fees, service platforms and general conditions) and ethical norms (confidentiality and data protection). Some advantages of the Nutrition teleconsultation were also compiled, such as: cost reduction, improved access to services, increased adherence, reduced geographic barriers, increased involvement of patients and their families and improved self-care; limitations included lack of access to the necessary infrastructure, feeling uncomfortable with the technology, concerns about safety or desire to be assisted in person, among others. Conclusion It is concluded that the Nutritional teleconsultation has promising potential in the pandemic, and may be able to overcome the social isolation challenge, that could impose data collection restrictions. Future studies may elucidate, through professional experiences, nutritional teleconsultation’s advantages and limitations, thus allowing more assertive recommendations and quality adjustments to the nutritional teleconsultation.