Journal article
Perceptions and Utilization of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in Multiple Sclerosis Care: A Pilot Survey of Multidisciplinary Providers
Nutrients, Vol.17(3), 385
01/22/2025
DOI: 10.3390/nu17030385
PMCID: PMC11820319
PMID: 39940243
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are allied healthcare professionals who can help people with multiple sclerosis (MS) incorporate healthy eating, but little is known about their involvement in MS care. Thus, the objective of this survey was to investigate the perceptions and utilization of RDNs in MS care among multidisciplinary MS providers in the United States and Canada. Methods: An online survey was disseminated via the Consortium of MS Centers email listserv and MS-specific scientific conferences. The survey queried practitioner type, RDN referrals, the perceived benefits of RDNs in MS care, and the proportion of their patients who follow ‘MS diets’ or have nutrition-related issues. Reasons for or against RDN referral and beneficial resources were also queried. Results: Of the 60 completed surveys, respondents were primarily neurologists (n = 27, 45.0%). Most (n = 43, 71.7%) indicated that half or more of their patients inquire about diet, but n = 32 (53.3%) indicated that very few follow an ‘MS diet’ and n = 47 (78.3%) indicated that very few decline disease-modifying therapies to follow an ‘MS diet’. Most (n = 45, 77.6%) respondents indicated referring their patients to a RDN with lack of nutrition knowledge/general healthy eating advice (n = 34, 73.9%) and overweight/obesity (n = 31, 67.4%) as being the most common reasons for referral. RDNs were reported as being helpful or extremely helpful by n = 38 (84.4%) of respondents who reported referring to RDNs. Most (n = 46, 79.3%) indicated that their patients would benefit from having an RDN with MS-specialized training as a member of staff. Conclusions: MS care providers support the need for RDNs with specialized training in MS care.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Perceptions and Utilization of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in Multiple Sclerosis Care: A Pilot Survey of Multidisciplinary Providers
- Creators
- Olivia Wills - University of WollongongAlaina Bradford - UC Irvine HealthMona Bostick - Greensboro CollegeYasmine Probst - University of WollongongTyler J. Titcomb - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Nutrients, Vol.17(3), 385
- DOI
- 10.3390/nu17030385
- PMID
- 39940243
- PMCID
- PMC11820319
- NLM abbreviation
- Nutrients
- ISSN
- 2072-6643
- eISSN
- 2072-6643
- Publisher
- MDPI
- Grant note
- a postgraduate scholarship from MS AustraliaMS AustraliaWaddell Center for Multiple Sclerosis: TA-2205-39486 National MS SocietyCarter Chapman Shreve Family FoundationCarter Chapman Shreve Fellowship Fund
OW is supported by a postgraduate scholarship from MS Australia. AB is supported by the Waddell Center for Multiple Sclerosis. YP is supported by a fellowship from MS Australia. TJT is supported by a career transition award from the National MS Society (TA-2205-39486) and by the Carter Chapman Shreve Family Foundation and the Carter Chapman Shreve Fellowship Fund for diet and lifestyle research conducted at the University of Iowa.
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 01/22/2025
- Academic Unit
- Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984780353502771
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