Dietitians' Perspectives on the Coordination and Continuity of Nutrition Care for Malnourished or Frail Clients: A Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Malnutrition and frailty are common conditions that impact overall health and function. There is limited research exploring the barriers and enablers to providing coordinated nutrition care to malnourished or frail clients in the community (including transitions from hospital). This study aimed to explore dietitians’ experiences and perspectives on providing coordinated nutrition care for frail and malnourished clients identified in the community or being discharged from hospital. Semi-structured interviews with clinical/acute, community, and aged care dietitians across Australia and New Zealand were conducted. Interviews were 23–61 min long, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Eighteen dietitians participated in interviews, including five clinical, eleven community, and two residential aged care dietitians. Three themes, describing key factors influencing the transition and coordination of nutrition care, emerged from the analysis: (i) referral and discharge planning practices, processes, and quality; (ii) dynamics and functions within the multidisciplinary team; and (iii) availability of community nutrition services. Guidelines advising on referral pathways for malnourished/frail clients, improved communication between acute and community dietitians and within the multidisciplinary team, and solutions for community dietetic resource shortages are required to improve the delivery of coordinated nutrition care to at-risk clients.