Vivanti, AngelaRechenber, KelseyShen, Li RenMacDonell, SueLloyd, Lyn2023-01-032023-01-032022-09(2022). Nutrition and Dietetics, 79(S1), 6-68.1446-6368https://hdl.handle.net/2292/62233Background: 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.Items in ResearchSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated. Previously published items are made available in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.https://researchspace.auckland.ac.nz/docs/uoa-docs/rights.htmAustraliaHumansNutritionists0908 Food Sciences1111 Nutrition and Dietetics1117 Public Health and Health ServicesConference Item2022-12-15Copyright: The authors35942516 (pubmed)http://purl.org/eprint/accessRights/RestrictedAccess1747-0080