Dietitians: Leading research and advancing practice around the world

Abstract

The more than one thousand submissions made for presentations at the 16th International Congress of Dietetics is testament to the growth of the profession globally. Abstract, workshop and symposium submissions have come from around the world including the United Kingdom and Europe; the Middle East, Japan, Korea, India and South East Asia; the United States, Canada and South America; Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. It demonstrates the confidence of the profession to present their work as dietitians develop the evidence base in nutrition and dietetics. It encompasses not only new knowledge but very importantly the translation of that knowledge into practice and policy to advance the profession. Those presenting at the conference are clearly showing their leadership and will enable best practice throughout the world. A majority of abstracts are in the areas of public health and community dietetics and medical nutrition therapy but it is pleasing that food service and management have not been neglected by dietitians, nor education and accreditation of dietitians. These are our main areas of endeavour. Work in community dietetics ranges from programs for pregnant women in rural India and for infant feeding in the Melbourne to evaluation of the nutritional status and dietary patterns of an elderly Hungarian population. In the era of an obesity epidemic there are many submissions about prevention and management programs including those targeting toddlers, children, adolescents and adults as well as patients with coexisting chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease and breast cancer. The hot topics in clinical nutrition include medical nutrition therapy and the brain, be it for patients with Alzheimer's disease, anorexia nervosa, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or mood problems to name a few. There is considerable interest in nutrition support and therapy in patients with gastrointestinal disorders. There are numerous submissions concerning type 2 diabetes and women with polycystic ovarian syndrome are also now considered as one of the groups having weight management issues and insulin resistance. Food service management is covered in a range of settings. We will learn of provision of food in prisons and the importance of policies to maximize health and limit chronic disease; the problem of iatrogenic malnutrition in hospitals and role of feeding assistants, protected meal times and innovative menu changes. Food provision in the community, schools and armed services is also included. There are submissions concerning dietetic curriculum, education and mentoring. As one of the themes of the conference is leadership we recognize grooming of the leaders of tomorrow starts with their university education and subsequently mentoring on their path to advanced practice. In addition, to presentations from abstract we include some excellent submitted workshops and symposia. New communication technologies and their applications to dietetics will be explored; you can hear and read about research and literature review to formulate medical nutrition therapy practice guidelines for head and neck cancer; cancer survivors; irritable bowel syndrome; chronic kidney disease and allergy/food sensitivity. Dietitians can learn more about international dietetics and nutrition terminology, leadership and change management to advance dietetics and nutrition and the work of the International Confederation of Dietetic Associations. The newer science of nutrigenomics is not forgotten nor are newer models of dietetic practice including interdisciplinary roles. We are also reminded that food and nutrition extends beyond natural science to the social sciences and an understanding of human needs and behaviour. Dietitians maintain their social conscience for providing nutrition for the less privileged nations and for equality in healthcare. The Proceedings of the International Congress of Dietetics is a rich tapestry of the versatility of our profession. It has been made rich by the leadership dietitians have demonstrated in assuming responsibility for our knowledge base and for the development of the profession. We can see dietitians are responding to world-wide challenges like climate change, food security, disaster relief and obesity. Our care extends beyond the hospital walls to the global community.