Evaluating clinicians' attitudes toward a web-based tool to support culturally and medically tailored nutrition services at the point of care.

Abstract

Objectives: Despite growing recognition of the critical role of nutrition in promoting population health, clinicians lack access to point-of-care resources to support culturally relevant nutrition services. This study aims to (1) evaluate Registered Dietitian Nutritionists' (RDN) likelihood of using a web-based tool to provide culturally- and medically tailored nutrition services, (2) identify needed or preferred features, and (3) examine concerns related to the development or implementation of a web-based tool.

Materials and methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, online survey of RDNs providing nutrition services in healthcare settings across the U.S. involving closed- and open-ended questions.

Results: Of 155 RDNs, over 70% indicated being very or extremely likely to use a point-of-care web-based tool. Respondents sought content such as culturally-relevant recipes and an accessible tool that would integrate into their workflow. Concerns were related to quality of information provided and technical considerations such as data privacy.

Discussion: Development of a web-based tool to support culturally- and medically tailored nutrition services may fill an unmet need within the healthcare workforce. This tool could be used as a point-of-care resource to optimize patient care and cultural inclusivity and could also function as a sustainable educational resource. Engaging culturally diverse patients and clinicians in tool development is critical for ensuring accessibility and optimal scope and quality of content. Privacy and security of information is essential to developing a trustworthy and equitable tool.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest the need for a point of care web-based tool to support culturally- and medically tailored nutrition services across healthcare settings.