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Knowledge and use of evidence‐based nutrition: a survey of paediatric dietitians

2003; Wiley; Volume: 16; Issue: 5 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1046/j.1365-277x.2003.00462.x

1365-277X

Dawn Thomas, R H Kukuruzovic, B. Martino, S. S. Chauhan, Elizabeth Elliott,

Obesity and Health Practices

Abstract Objective To survey paediatric dietitians’ knowledge and use of evidence‐based nutrition (EBN). Design Cross‐sectional survey using reply‐paid questionnaires. Subjects Paediatric dietitians in Australian teaching hospitals. Main outcome measures Age, sex, appointment, clinical practice, research activities; attitudes to, training in and use of EBN; and perceived barriers to use of EBN. Statistical analysis Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (SPSS). Results Fifty‐nine (86%) of 69 questionnaires were returned. Most (97%) dietitians were women working full‐time (63%), mean age 37 years (±9 SD). Most (75%) dietitians encountered knowledge gaps less than five times per week and most (87%) questions related to therapy. The majority (95%) performed their own literature searches, less than five times per month. All had access to ≥1 electronic literature databases including Medline ( n = 58, 98%), Cochrane Library ( n = 44, 75%) and CINAHL ( n = 35, 59%). Information sources used most often were Medline and consultation with colleagues. Reported barriers to using EBN were lack of time ( n = 53, 90%) or lack of skills for critical appraisal of published articles ( n = 51, 86%) or literature searching ( n = 48, 81%). While 53 (90%) believed in an evidence‐based approach, 43 (73%) either did not practise EBN or rated themselves as beginners. Conclusion Most dietitians favoured evidence‐based practice, but reported lack of time, skills or rapid access to electronic databases as barriers to its practice.