Exploring perceptions, barriers and use of systematic reviews amongst nutrition professionals and nutrition students

Abstract

Aim: Systematic reviews (SRs) are a core component of evidence-based practice and are widely used in developing nutrition policy. This study aimed to examine nutrition professionals and students' perceptions, barriers and use of SRs. A secondary aim was to examine confidence using and conducting SRs.Methods: A self-administered online survey was developed, pilot-tested and implemented via SurveyMonkey. The survey consisted of 29 items separated into demographics, perceptions, use, and knowledge of SRs, confidence in using and conducting SRs, and barriers to use and conduct of SRs. The survey was disseminated via professional newsletters and social media.Results: Ninety-four nutrition professionals/students completed the survey. Survey results indicated respondents valued SRs, with SRs used most commonly to update knowledge. While most respondents (67%) were confident in using SRs, many (59%) expressed a lack of confidence in conducting a SR. In particular, few respondents (12%) reported confidence in conducting meta-analyses. The majority of respondents were aware that SRs underpinned guidelines and nutrition resources, however, few (21%) respondents identified that self-substantiation of health claims were based on SRs. Time, access to scientific database, lack of workplace support and confidence were the main barriers to SRs use. Conclusions: SRs were reported as being valued by nutrition professionals and students, though time constraints, a lack of confidence and organisations which did not prioritise research were barriers to conducting SRs. The findings of this survey highlight a need for training and education as potential strategies to promote SR engagement in nutrition professionals and students. K E Y W O R D Sdietitians, evidence-based practice, nutritionists, perceptions, survey, systematic reviews

Evidence-Based Practice Competencies among Nutrition Professionals and Students: A Systematic Review

“…We ultimately included 12 studies that were published between 2001 and 2020 [21,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34], with studies having enrolled between 14 to 258 participants. Details are shown in Table 1.…”

Evidence-Based Dietetic Practice: EFAD Discussion Paper on Challenges for Implementation, Education, Research, and Lifelong Learning

“…HEIs may provide the theory but not always support learners to translate it into practice. This is evident where dietetics students have had a structured activity such as undertaking a research project in their final year of the programme that improved their confidence in engaging with research yet struggle with conducting research beyond the education setting [46,47]. Despite the recommendation that HCP educators incorporate EBP core competencies in their programmes [48], a lack of consistency in EBP curricular content is well recognised [45,[49][50][51].…”

Designing and assessing a data literacy internship program for graduate health sciences students

“…This project follows the launch of a graduate-level systematic review course by the Purdue University Libraries and School of Information Studies (the Libraries) in 2019 [ 7 ]. The data intern completed ILS 595: Introduction to Systematic Review for the Health Sciences in Spring 2019.…”

“…The specific need for data analysis training as related to qualitative systematic review methods in the Biotechnology Innovation and Regulatory Science Center (BIRS) program at Purdue University stimulated the formation of this internship program. This project follows the launch of a graduate-level systematic review course by the Purdue University Libraries and School of Information Studies (the Libraries) in 2019 [7]. The data intern completed ILS 595: Introduction to Systematic Review for the Health Sciences in Spring 2019.…”