Dietitians' practices and perspectives on nutrition priorities for liver transplant recipients. Issue 2 (3rd October 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Murray, Eryn M.; McCoy, Simone M.; Campbell, Katrina L.; Hickman, Ingrid J.
• Is Part Of: Nutrition & dietetics. Volume 71:Issue 2(2014:Jun.)
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2013-10-03
• Subjects: Nutrition -- Periodicals; Dietetics -- Periodicals; 613.205
• DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12079
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1446-6368

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="ndi12079-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>To describe current practice and priorities of dietitians during the acute (≤3 months) and long‐term (≥6 months) management of liver transplant recipients.</p> </sec> <sec id="ndi12079-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Ten liver transplant dietitians (10/14, 71%) in Australia, New Zealand, UK and USA responded to an online survey. The survey graded nutrition priorities on a Likert scale, recorded barriers to service delivery and workforce allocation for nutrition services (ratio of full‐time equivalent: annual transplant rate).</p> </sec> <sec id="ndi12079-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Just over half (n = 6, 60%) reported routine dietary assessment post‐liver transplant. The majority (90%, n = 9) also provide initial dietary education in the acute setting. Thirty percent (n = 3) routinely provide ongoing acute follow up; however, no sites provide routine follow up after 6 months. Dietitian‐to‐transplant patient ratios demonstrated a broad range of resource allocation across sites 1:244 (1:39–1:1410). 70% (n = 7) reported lack of funding as a major barrier. Protein and energy requirements (n = 10, 100%) were identified as the main clinical focus in the acute period. Prevention of post‐transplant weight gain and diabetes were identified as priority areas during the acute period by 60% of respondents (n = 6) and long‐term management by all respondents (n = 10, 100%).</p> </sec> <sec id="ndi12079-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>This international survey identified inconsistent resourcing of nutrition services post‐liver transplantation, with lack of funding the main barrier to providing long‐term care. While the majority of liver transplant dietitians prioritise prevention of excessive weight gain, long‐term follow up is limited. Further research is needed to investigate the optimal management of liver transplant recipients.</p> </sec> </abstract>