This issue of Topics in Clinical Nutrition highlights aspects of dietetics and nutrition-related practice including work-life interface, confidence with integrative medicine (IM) recommendations, and use of the stages of change construct in nutrition counseling. In addition, nutrition training including the use of a virtual Nutrition Care Process (NCP) workshop in the international setting, as well as incorporating the Web-based clinical simulation to practice the NCP, is examined. Research related to handgrip strength (HGS) in elderly patients on hemodialysis (HD), effect of resveratrol in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and the relationship between testosterone and resting energy expenditure (REE) is discussed.
Black et al conducted a qualitative study by surveying a national sample of registered dietitians (RDs) about work-life interface. Thematic analysis revealed 3 main themes: motivators, adaptions and flexibility, and price and rewards of work-life interface decisions, with RDs identifying nonwork/family life as their priority.
Malik et al examined the relationship between RD practice area and confidence related to IM through an online survey. Results revealed that RDs who practiced within IM reported greater confidence incorporating IM modalities into practice, especially when recommending supplements and functional foods.
Heitman et al conducted a virtual NCP workshop to nutrition professionals in Mexico using a pre/posttest format and focus groups. Although mean knowledge scores increased post-workshop, most patient notes were identified to be "low quality," highlighting the need for follow-up support.
Beretich et al evaluated the stages of change construct use by nutrition professionals through an online survey. Although most nutrition professionals used this construct in practice, variations existed with practice setting and patient population.
Gaba et al engaged didactic program in dietetics and dietetic intern students through a Web-based clinical simulation in order to practice the NCP. Students were surveyed with open- and closed-ended questions, and the Web-based learning was identified to be valuable in dietetics education.
Nemati et al conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 6 trials involving resveratrol supplementation in NAFLD and found that serum triglycerides, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-[alpha], and systolic blood pressure were significantly decreased in the resveratrol group. These findings identify a possible relationship of resveratrol supplementation with NAFLD, requiring further study.
Roop et al conducted a systemic review of 11 studies evaluating the association between exogenous testosterone and REE in adults and found that exogenous testosterone did not significantly affect REE. Although there are limited trials in the area, this finding is useful to RDs when assessing energy needs in this population.
Finally, Duran et al conducted a prospective self-controlled study of 29 elderly patients on HD examining HGS and Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) scores in the first and third months after nutrition education. Higher HGS and MNA scores after nutrition education as compared with baseline were identified, which highlights the importance of nutrition education in this population.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Topics in Clinical Nutrition. We want to welcome a new member to our team, Naima DuBois Stone, Senior Editorial Coordinator at Wolters Kluwer. Please consider providing input on topics for future issues of the journal by emailing mailto:[email protected].
-Kelly Kane, MS, RD, CNSC
Editor
Topics in Clinical Nutrition