Functions of dietitians providing nutrition support to patients with inherited metabolic disorders.
This article examines functions of dietitians who provide nutrition services to patients with inherited metabolic disorders. A survey questionnaire was developed and pilot-tested in a sample of dietitians, revised, and mailed to all dietitians in the United States who treat patients with inherited metabolic disorders. One hundred forty-two usable questionnaires were returned. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate response frequency. The highest academic degree attained by 37% of the dietitians was a bachelor's degree; 58% had earned a master's degree and 5% a doctorate. Dietitians provided nutrition services during diagnosis, critical illness, and long-term care. More than 90% of the dietitians performed these functions: evaluated nutrition status; prepared, implemented, and evaluated the nutritional support plan; revised the nutrition support plan as needed; monitored dietary compliance; coordinated care with other agencies; developed materials and educated parents, caregivers, and patients about the nutrition support plan; and recorded information in the medical record. Without nutrition support, patients with inherited metabolic disorders may become mentally retarded, experience neurologic or metabolic crises, or die.
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Ross Products Division, Abbott Laboratories, Columbus, OH 43215, USA.
Ryan
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D004046:Dietetics / Q000193:education; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008661:Metabolism, Inborn Errors / Q000628:therapy*; D018529:Nutritional Support; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires