Renal dietitians lack time and resources to follow the NKF KDOQI guidelines for frequency and method of diet assessment: results of a survey.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine how often renal dietitians assess patients' diets and what methods they use to collect and analyze the data. DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were collected through an anonymous online survey. The survey was distributed to renal dietitians during the winter of 2012.
SUBJECTS: Currently practicing renal dietitian members of the International Society for Renal Nutrition and Metabolism, the National Kidney Foundation Council on Renal Nutrition, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Renal Practice Group, and the RenalRD listserve were invited to participate. Of 599 usable responses received, 91% worked in the United States. The main outcome measure was dietitian compliance with Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (KDOQI) nutrition assessment guidelines.
RESULTS: Most dietitians collect dietary intake data when certain laboratory results are abnormal (70%) whereas 6.5% biannually collect dietary intake data (recommended by KDOQI). The most common reasons for not collecting dietary intake data more frequently were lack of time (42%) and software (25%). Most dietitians determine the frequency of dietary intake assessment on their own (60%) whereas 10% follow the KDOQI guidelines. The most common method of dietary intake data collection was a typical day recall (50%), although 8% reported using a 3-day food record as recommended by KDOQI. The most common method for analyzing dietary intake data was "estimate in my head" (62%) followed by calculate by hand (24.5%).
CONCLUSION: Renal dietitians do not follow the KDOQI guidelines for diet assessment because of time constraints. Research must explore which nutrition assessment tools may improve patient outcomes and can also be completed within the time allotted for nutrition care.