Nutrition Services in Canadian Neonatal Intensive Care: The Role of the Dietitian.
Inclusion of registered dietitians/nutritionists (RDNs) on the neonatal intensive care team has been shown to improve nutrition and growth rates in high-risk infants, shortening their hospital stay. To determine the role of RDNs, 55 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and post-discharge services in Canada were surveyed. The response rate was 69%. RDNs were involved in 73% (8/11) of level II and 92% (24/26) of level III units. The average RDN time devoted to the NICU, in full-time equivalents, was 0.2 in level II and 0.5 in level III units. More than 90% of the RDNs develop, evaluate, and modify nutrition care plans, and then document interventions in the health record. Seventy-nine percent of the RDNs participate in teaching rounds and patient care conferences, and make referrals to the community. All of the RDNs instruct patient families. Seventy-one percent of respondents provide family follow-up care after hospital discharge. Forty-six percent work with families of NICU graduates with feeding difficulties. Eighty-two percent provide education to other health professionals. Sixty-eight percent participate in research projects, initiating the majority of these projects. These results provide pertinent information for clinical leaders seeking to establish a role for the clinical dietitian in neonatal intensive care. For those already working in NICUs, the results may provide some guidance on role definition and expansion.
Fenton
TANIS R.
TR
RD, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, AB.
Geggie
JANET H.
JH
Warners
JULIA N.
JN
Tough
SUZANNE C.
SC