[Evaluation of the role of an advanced practice dietitian in the intensive care unit].

Abstract

Background: In Swiss intensive care units (ICUs), nutritional management is hardly or not at all supported or supervised by dietitians. Nutritional management in the ICU is mainly performed by ICU nursing staff and intensive care specialists. In 2022, the role of an advanced practice dietitian (APD) was newly defined, created, and implemented in a Swiss ICU as part of a pilot project. In contrast to other countries, APDs are still scarce in Switzerland. Evaluation of the APD role is essential to further define the position and adapt it to needs. The aim of this survey was to evaluate the impact of the APD role 8 months after implementation.

Materials and methods: The survey was conducted via online survey in February and March 2023. A total of 34 members of the ICU team participated, including physicians (n = 11), nurses (n = 20), and speech therapists (n = 3). In addition to workload, years worked in the company, and shiftwork, questions were asked about the level of awareness of the new APD position, integration of the APD into the ICU team, and the impact of the APD on nutritional management and the situation of the participants, as well as regarding documentation and prescribing skills. A descriptive analysis of the data was carried out in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA).

Results and conclusion: The majority are aware of the APD and consider her as part of the ICU team. From the treatment team's point of view, the quality of the nutritional care provided as by the APD has improved and there is added value for patients and the ICU team. The delegated prescribing competence seems to improve nutritional management noticeably and is perceived as helpful and relieving by a majority. How the position will develop in terms of the competence profile remains to be seen.