Nutrition assessment when physically separated: Impact, importance and perceived performance confidence of new graduate dietitians

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 related physical distancing requirements creates challenges for performing the physical components of malnutrition assessments.

Aim: To assess reported enablers and barriers to nutrition-focused physical assessment for newer graduate dietitians (<2 years) when separated from patients.

Methods: An online survey was disseminated through Dietitians New Zealand & Dietitians Australia. Descriptive data concerning importance, confidence, support and barriers are presented as counts and percentages.

Results: Fewer respondents were confident conducting physical assessments when not in the same room (7%, 1/15) compared to in person (67%, 10/15). They indicated lower importance for conducting physical assessments when not in the same room (40%, 6/15) compared to in person (67%, 10/15). Factors that would enhance knowledge, confidence and ability included: protocols for distant assessment (80% 12/15); self-teaching materials (60% 9/15); webinars (60% 9/15); in-person training (54%, 8/15) and time to practice remote physical assessment techniques (54%, 8/15). Management support (27%, 4/15) and university teaching (13%, 2/17) were selected least often. Issues limiting nutrition assessments when not in the same room included patients without video enabled connection (73%, 11/15) or equipment (27%, 4/15), difficulty undertaking physical assessments (47%, 7/15), patient/client reluctance (40%, 6/15). Lack of family support for patients, organisational funding policy for services (0/15, each), internet security (7%, 1/15), telephones access and liability (13%, 2/15 each) were of lower concern.

Conclusion: Confidence conducting virtual nutrition assessments is a vital emerging skill. Supporting dietitians, including new graduates, with protocols, upskilling and practice are important considerations for both professional workplaces and training programmes.