Current practice in nutrition assessment for the management of Parkinson's disease in Australia and Canada

Abstract

AbstractAimTo document and compare current practice in nutrition assessment of Parkinson's disease by dietitians in Australia and Canada in order to identify priority areas for review and development of practice guidelines and direct future research.MethodsAn online survey was distributed to DAA (Dietitians Association of Australia) members and PEN (Practice‐based Evidence in Nutrition) subscribers through their email newsletters. The survey captured current practice in the phases of the Nutrition Care Plan. The results of the assessment phase are presented here.ResultsEighty‐four dietitians responded. Differences in practice existed in the choice of nutrition screening and assessment tools, including appropriate body mass index ranges. Nutrition impact symptoms were commonly assessed, but information about Parkinson's disease medication interactions was not consistently assessed.ConclusionsThe variation in practice related to the use of screening and assessment methods may result in the identification of different goals for subsequent interventions. Even more practice variation was evident for those items more specific to Parkinson's disease and may be due to the lack of evidence to guide practice. Further research is required to support decisions for nutrition assessment of Parkinson's disease.