Nutrition is an under-discussed element of inflammatory bowel disease care, according to a study out of Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America.
Malnutrition is common for IBD patients, due to chronic intestinal inflammation and other disease factors; however, little is known about how the nutrition of these patients is assessed and managed. To investigate this aspect of care, the researchers surveyed 223 providers and 567 patients.
Here's what you need to know:
1. Eighty-seven percent of dietitians, 41 percent of gastroenterologists and 16 percent of nurses rated their knowledge of nutrition in IBD as "very good."
2. Twenty-seven percent of patients rated their knowledge of nutrition in IBD as "very good," and 58.5 percent of patients said nutrition was "very important" as an IBD management strategy.
3. However, less than half of all providers felt they had adequate nutritional care resources to facilitate discussions with their IBD patients.
4. Thirty-three percent of gastroenterologists reported not regularly screening their patients for malnutrition, and only 36 percent of patients reported talking with their physician about nutrition.
5. The researchers concluded that "targeted educational initiatives and improved access to nutritional experts are warranted. In addition, a standardized process for the assessment of malnutrition among patients with IBD should be developed."