Digital nutrition tools can facilitate aspects of clinical practice, including workflow and patient care, however, balanced use is important to maintain professional competence and preserve critical manual skills, suggesting that technology should complement, rather than replace, core clinical expertise.
Abstract
Background/Objectives Technological advancements in Saudi Arabia have influenced healthcare delivery, including clinical nutrition practice. This study examined the impact of digital nutrition tools on clinical dietitians' work, focusing on perceived benefits, challenges, and experiences with technology integration. Methods A mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected through a self-developed online survey of senior clinical nutrition students, interns, and practicing clinical dietitians (n = 272). Qualitative data were obtained via semi-structured online interviews with 10 participants. Surveys assessed tool usage, perceived benefits, and challenges, while interviews explored participants' experiences in depth. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were examined using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis to ensure rigor, credibility, and cultural relevance. Results Survey participants were predominantly female, Saudi nationals with bachelor's degrees in clinical nutrition and 1 to 5 years of professional experience. Respondents generally agreed on the usefulness of digital tools; however, perceived barriers differed significantly by educational level (p = 0.047) and professional role (p = 0.037), whereas perceived benefits did not differ significantly across either variable (p > 0.05). Qualitative interviews indicated that digital tools supported efficiency, accuracy, and patient care. Four main themes emerged: technology as a catalyst for efficiency, risks of overreliance, cultural and systemic gaps, and emerging interest in artificial intelligence (AI), including general-purpose tools and specialized clinical AI platforms for dietary assessment and food recognition, with variable participant ability to distinguish between the two. Concerns included application reliability and the need to maintain manual calculation skills. Conclusions Digital nutrition tools can facilitate aspects of clinical practice, including workflow and patient care. However, balanced use is important to maintain professional competence and preserve critical manual skills, suggesting that technology should complement, rather than replace, core clinical expertise.
Background Insight into how obesity medication (OM) is prescribed, accessed, and experienced in daily practice remains limited. This study explored prescribing practices, patient experiences and perceived barriers and facilitators regarding OM use in the Netherlands. Methods This was an exploratory sequential mixed-methods study consisting of qualitative interviews followed by a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Semi-structured interviews were performed with healthcare professionals and individuals using or considering OM (n = 14). Findings informed the development of a questionnaire completed by healthcare professionals (n = 102) and individuals using OM (n = 96). Results The qualitative analysis generated five themes: (1) navigating access and reimbursement pathways, (2) negotiating professional roles and expertise, (3) balancing medication and lifestyle support, (4) living with OM: relief, stigma and legitimacy, and (5) uncertainty and future perspectives. Quantitative findings largely supported these themes. Overall, OM care was experienced as supportive and accessible. However, important challenges were identified, including: strict reimbursement criteria, a mandatory combined lifestyle intervention perceived as insufficiently tailored to individual needs, high out-of-pocket costs, uncertainty regarding tapering strategies, and differences between regular and private care pathways. Conclusion OM is generally experienced positively within Dutch obesity care, but structural barriers remain. Improving access, reimbursement policies, professional education, and guidance regarding long-term treatment and tapering may contribute to more equitable and sustainable obesity care.
J.Th.C.M. (Anja) de Kruif, Mesut Savas, M. A. E. de van der Schueren· Obesity Pillars· 0 citations
Abstract Objective: To examine pharmacy professionals’ involvement in nutrition care, including the nutrition advice and services they provide, perceived barriers and facilitators, and resource needs for integrating nutrition into pharmacy practice. Design: Mixed-methods cross-sectional survey comprising quantitative items on knowledge, attitudes and practices, and open-ended questions analysed thematically. Setting: Online survey administered via Qualtrics. Participants: UK-based pharmacy professionals aged ≥18 years (N 220). Results: Nutrition advice was most frequently provided for diabetes (68·4 %), CVD risk factors (64·1 %), dietary supplements (49·3 %) and weight management (48·3 %). Knowledge was strongest for food–drug interactions and supplements, but weakest for sustainable diets and national dietary guidelines. Higher perceived knowledge was significantly associated with providing advice on diabetes, obesity, CVD and malnutrition (all p < 0·05). Nutritional assessment practices were limited: 67·7 % of participants did not conduct nutritional screening and 70·2 % did not perform dietary assessments. Overall, 65·3 % reported that nutrition training is essential. Key barriers included limited education, practical resources, unclear referral pathways and challenges initiating nutrition conversations, while respondents highlighted strong needs for practice-specific tools and collaboration with dietitians. Conclusions: Pharmacists commonly provide nutrition support for key non-communicable disease areas, yet provision remains inconsistent. Persistent gaps in knowledge, training and practical resources, combined with unclear referral pathways, limit their capacity to deliver nutrition care. Strengthening nutrition education, developing pharmacy-focused resources and enhancing interprofessional collaboration could enable more effective, integrated nutrition support in primary care.
G. Acar, R. Frost, Sukvinder Kaur Bhamra et al.· Public Health Nutrition· 0 citations
Background: Health disparities experienced by people with disabilities (PWD) are partly attributed to inadequate knowledge, training, confidence and competence regarding disabilities among health professionals. While registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are key members of the healthcare team, it is unclear how pre-professional nutrition and dietetics (ND) programs prepare future RDNs to care for PWD. This study examined the status of disability-related education within ND programs in the United States. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to 570 directors of accredited ND programs. The survey, which adapted questions from a previously validated instrument and published studies, included questions assessing disability-related content, teaching methods, resources and potential barriers to inclusion within the curriculum. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Participants (n=64) were mostly female and between the ages of 34 and 68 years. The most common disability specific content included were patient-centered care, cultural humility and implicit bias training and an interdisciplinary approach to care. Most programs included relevant aspects of nutrition assessment for PWD, however, the types of disabilities included varied across programs. Common teaching methods were lectures, case studies, journal articles and clinical placements. A lack of faculty knowledge and expertise in disability education was identified as a potential barrier. Conclusion: ND programs include varying amounts and types of disability-related content, suggesting that entry-level RDNs may not be adequately prepared to address the nutritional needs of PWD. Programs should be evaluated to identify areas for improvement in disability-related content and to assess student understanding of these topics.
Wendy Medunick, A. Gomes, J. Sackey et al.· Journal of Dietetic Educatio...· 0 citations
BACKGROUND
Blended tube feeding (BTF)-enteral nutrition based on whole foods-is increasingly adopted as an alternative to commercial formulas in children requiring long-term tube feeding. While parents often initiate this practice, healthcare professionals are crucial for its safe and effective implementation. This study explored the perspectives of Dutch pediatric healthcare professionals regarding BTF to identify knowledge gaps and support future clinical guidance.
METHODS
We performed a cross-sectional survey in 252 participants based in the Netherlands from February to May 2025. The self-developed 30-item questionnaire addressed BTF knowledge, attitudes, and experiences. Responses were analyzed descriptively.
RESULTS
A total of 252 respondents completed the survey, primarily pediatric dietitians (n = 89) and pediatricians (n = 64). Familiarity with BTF was high (82%), and 56% had cared for children receiving it, most commonly via gastrostomy, although practices varied. Attitudes were generally positive (65%), particularly among dietitians (81%). Reported benefits included improved feeding tolerance (79%), reduced reflux/vomiting (72%), and improved stool patterns (67%); while caregiver burden (61%) and perceived parental insecurity regarding nutrition (28%) were the main challenges. Awareness of the 2022 national BTF position paper was low (54%), especially among physicians (20%), although 77% of healthcare professionals expressed interest in further education.
CONCLUSION
This nationwide survey reveals high familiarity and positive attitudes toward BTF among pediatric healthcare professionals but considerable variation in practice and limited awareness of existing guidelines. Future interventional studies, evidence-based recommendations and professional training are needed to support consistent, family-centered implementation.
R. S. Boereboom, E. H. de Jongh-Kampherbeek, M. Groenewold et al.· JPEN - Journal of Parenteral...· 0 citations
OBJECTIVES
With obesity management medications being used more widely, it is important to understand the role of the dietitian in the obesity care pathway. This study examined primary-care dietitians' perspectives on the various phases of the obesity care pathway, from patients living with obesity (PwO) accessing nutritional services through monitoring and referral.
METHODS
In this qualitative study, first-line dietitians in Flanders, Belgium, between March, 2025 and June, 2025, were invited to participate. Participants were interviewed, and data were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The first section of the semi-structured interview guide focused on how PwO typically access nutrition therapy, how dietitians monitor and follow up with PwO, and the criteria they use for referral. Lastly, dietitians were asked about their collaboration with other healthcare professionals involved in the care of PwO.
RESULTS
Twelve dietitians were interviewed before data saturation was reached. PwO accessed dietetic care mainly through self-initiative or medical referral, though referrals from general practitioners (GPs) were reported as limited. Monitoring and follow-up varied widely in duration and evaluation tools, while barriers such as limited patient motivation, time constraints, and limited reimbursement for dietetic care hindered continuity of care. Dietitians highlighted the need for referral guidelines, digital tools to support interprofessional communication, educational initiatives on interprofessional collaboration, and a central care coordinator to improve obesity care.
CONCLUSION
This qualitative study examined primary-care dietitians' experiences across the obesity care pathway, from patient access to monitoring and referral. Dietitians highlighted limited referrals from GPs as well as variability in the duration and monitoring practices of nutritional therapy. Clear treat-to-target and referral guidelines could reduce reliance on individual clinical judgement, promote coordinated care and prevent delays in effective multidisciplinary care.
Lucas Schreurs, Valérie Baes, E. Kimpe et al.· Journal of human nutrition a...· 0 citations
PURPOSE
This study investigated the self-perceived competence, knowledge, confidence and attitudes of the UK optometric workforce with regard to nutritional advice for patients.
METHODS
A validated questionnaire (NUTrition COMPetence) was used to survey the optometric workforce, which was adapted to UK optometric practice and nutritional guidelines. Distribution of the questionnaire was conducted online via social media, local optical councils, and personal contacts and sent to a random sample of members of the College of Optometrists UK. To better understand the sample, further information on educational background, years in practice and current roles were collected.
RESULTS
Two hundred and sixty individuals completed the questionnaire, of which 238 identified as GOC registered optometrists, with the majority working in a community setting (n = 189). Self-perceived confidence in nutrition knowledge was [mean score (SD) 17.19 (±4.11) out of a maximum of 35 points], nutrition skills [mean score (SD) 23.73 (±7.80) out of a maximum count of 55], nutrition related counselling and communication [mean score (SD) 26.06 (±6.82) out of a maximum of 45 points]. Attitudes towards nutrition care scored highest with 31.33 (±6.06) out of 40 and was rated highest out of all constructs. Higher qualifications were associated with increased levels of self-reported confidence and communication of nutrition information (p = 0.015).
CONCLUSIONS
UK optometrists have a very positive attitude towards providing nutritional care. However, there is a lack of training which impacts confidence and ultimately patient advice. Within the current framework of the UK National Health Service and its focus to make every contact count, it is paramount to implement more nutritional training.
