Nutrition Focused Physical Examination Practices of Registered Dietitians

A Novel Approach to Oral Health Assessment Training for Dietitians in Long-Term Care Settings in Israel

“…The authors found independent associations between malnutrition and dental and oral conditions including masticatory problems. 15 The results of studies with practicing registered dietitians evaluating the use of nutrition-focused physical assessment (NFPA), including oral assessment, [19][20][21] suggest that, overall, US registered dietitians lack knowledge, confidence, and training opportunities to conduct NFPA. [6][7][8][9] Interprofessional health care practices have been developed that address integration of oral and nutrition screening, assessment, and training as roles for nursing, dietetics, and oral health care practitioners.…”

“…Despite these findings and the critical role the integrity of the oral cavity has in respect to the ability to eat and drink, studies have found that primary care providers place little emphasis on nutrition and oral care management in long-term care facilities. [19][20][21] Registered dietitians who had hands on training in NFPA, including oral health assessment, performed NFPA skills more frequently than those who did not report prior training. [10][11][12] Prior research has revealed that training programs, 4 hours and longer, have resulted in significant improvements in nurses' accuracy in patient oral health assessment and for changing oral health care procedures.…”

“…[6][7][8][9] Interprofessional health care practices have been developed that address integration of oral and nutrition screening, assessment, and training as roles for nursing, dietetics, and oral health care practitioners. 20,21 However, to the best knowledge of these authors, no published research has investigated the changes in knowledge and practices of dietitians working in geriatric care following training on NPFA in the United States or Israel. [13][14][15][16][17][18] Paulsson et al 17 and Munoz et al 15 found that targeted education programs for nurses can improve knowledge and implementation of oral health care programs 17 and documentation of oral health issues.…”

Item Generation in the Development of an Interactive Nutrition Specific Physical Exam Competency Tool (INSPECT): A Qualitative Study Utilizing Technology-Based Focus Groups in the United States

“…Despite the aforementioned benefits of a physical examination performed by RDNs, this skill has been severely under-utilized in clinical dietetic practice since it was only added to the revised dietitians’ scope of practice within the past 8 years for practicing RDNs and within the past 5 years for dietetic students [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. Additionally, in recent studies, RDNs have indicated several barriers to performing NFPE [ 20 , 27 ]. The barriers include a lack of experience and training in NFPE, inadequate time, and the reluctance to physically touch patients [ 20 , 27 ].…”

“…Additionally, in recent studies, RDNs have indicated several barriers to performing NFPE [ 20 , 27 ]. The barriers include a lack of experience and training in NFPE, inadequate time, and the reluctance to physically touch patients [ 20 , 27 ]. Attempts are being made to train RDNs by using simulation models, in-person training, and video demonstrations.…”