Christina L Nelms1, Elissaveta Johnson2, Sarah Peseski3. 1. Pediatric Renal Nutrition Consultant and Educator, PedsFeeds, LLC, Kearney, Nebraska. Electronic address: nelmscl@unk.edu. 2. Clinical Affairs Specialist, Vitaflo USA, LLC, Alexandria, Virginia. 3. Sr. Manager, Sales Performance Development, Nestlé Health Science, Bridgewater, New Jersey.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to ascertain pediatric-focused and adult-focused renal dietitians' perspectives on need for pediatric specific training and education materials. DESIGN: This study has a descriptive, survey research design using a cross-sectional electronic survey. Subjects included North American dietitians of all ages and experience levels in either pediatric or adult-focused renal nutrition care per self-report. Inclusion criteria were access to renal listservs and/or membership within a Council on Renal Nutrition (CRN) group. METHODS: Individuals were recruited to participate in the survey via email correspondence disseminated through the pediatric renal listserv hosted by the University of Alberta, Canada, and through the NKF online list of CRN contacts. Surveys were conducted between April 14 and May 2, 2016, and between December 5, 2016 and January 9, 2017. A quantitative and qualitative survey/questionnaire was used to gather information. The main outcome measure of this study was to determine the need for pediatric specific renal nutrition training and education. RESULTS: The majority of both pediatric-focused and adult-focused renal dietitians indicated that more pediatric renal nutrition training and education materials (100% and 87.8%, respectively) than what is currently available would be at least somewhat beneficial. In addition, the survey results showed that 22.1% of adult-focused practitioners work with pediatric individuals (≤21 years) at least monthly. Those practitioners also indicated a need for pediatric training resources and education materials. CONCLUSION: More pediatric training and education resources need to be made available to meet the needs of both adult-focused and pediatric-focused dietitians to ensure optimal care of children with renal disease.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to ascertain pediatric-focused and adult-focused renal dietitians' perspectives on need for pediatric specific training and education materials. DESIGN: This study has a descriptive, survey research design using a cross-sectional electronic survey. Subjects included North American dietitians of all ages and experience levels in either pediatric or adult-focused renal nutrition care per self-report. Inclusion criteria were access to renal listservs and/or membership within a Council on Renal Nutrition (CRN) group. METHODS: Individuals were recruited to participate in the survey via email correspondence disseminated through the pediatric renal listserv hosted by the University of Alberta, Canada, and through the NKF online list of CRN contacts. Surveys were conducted between April 14 and May 2, 2016, and between December 5, 2016 and January 9, 2017. A quantitative and qualitative survey/questionnaire was used to gather information. The main outcome measure of this study was to determine the need for pediatric specific renal nutrition training and education. RESULTS: The majority of both pediatric-focused and adult-focused renal dietitians indicated that more pediatric renal nutrition training and education materials (100% and 87.8%, respectively) than what is currently available would be at least somewhat beneficial. In addition, the survey results showed that 22.1% of adult-focused practitioners work with pediatric individuals (≤21 years) at least monthly. Those practitioners also indicated a need for pediatric training resources and education materials. CONCLUSION: More pediatric training and education resources need to be made available to meet the needs of both adult-focused and pediatric-focused dietitians to ensure optimal care of children with renal disease.