Collaboration to Advance our Profession
Join Becky Dorner, RDN, LD, FAND, 2021-2022 Foundation Chair, and Alison L. Steiber, PhD, RDN, Chief Science Officer of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to learn how your Foundation donation supports nutrition and dietetics research and evidence. Becky and Dr. Steiber present an update on Foundation-funded research being conducted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Research, International, and Scientific Affairs team.
RESTORE Study
The RESTORE Study is a multi-site longitudinal study designed to examine nutrition care practices that may influence the burden of disease in COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The goal of the RESTORE study is to assist in the development of a pragmatic protocol of nutrition care practices for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) and other health professionals to utilize when caring for critically ill patients with COVID-19. The Academy Data Science Center (DSC) is collaborating with investigators at George Mason University (GMU) and Indiana University. This project is being conducted with funding from Nestle Health Sciences.
ANDHII Breast Feeding Registry Study
The Breast feeding Registry Study, conducted by the Academy’s Data Science Center, aims to better understand the documentation of RDNs who provide breast feeding and lactation support to infants and their mothers. The study is investigating nutrition outcomes and predictors of nutrition problem resolution in this population. RDNs at six to 12 collaborating sites will be recruited and trained to collect registry data using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Health Informatics Infrastructure.
ANDHII enables RDNs to track nutrition care outcomes in their practice setting. The knowledge gained through the collection and analysis of information in ANDHII adds to the evidence base for nutrition practice and helps ensure high-quality patient care. Currently, almost no data exists in ANDHII related to mothers who are breast feeding or infants who are breast fed. This research will begin to fill that gap. It will help us understand the current documentation practices of RDNs in this specialty, as well as the resulting outcomes from receiving nutrition care such as infant weight and breast feeding duration.
Funded by the Pediatric Nutrition DPG and the Women’s Health DPG
AUGmeNT Study: Assessing Uptake and Impact Of Guidelines For Clinical Practice In Renal Nutrition
This study aims to evaluate RDN fidelity to the EAC’s Chronic Kidney Disease Guideline at 20-40 outpatient renal dialysis centers. It will test the effectiveness of an implementation toolkit created to support implementation of CKD Guideline recommendations by RDNs. It will also examine the feasibility of estimating the impact of the CKD Guideline on nutrition related outcomes. Data from this study will help us better understand the adaptation, adoption and acceptability of the CKD Guideline by RDNs working in dialysis centers, which may inform future iterations of the guideline. Results of this study will be disseminated via webinars, DPG newsletters, FNCE® and other conferences and peer-reviewed publications.
Through design of the AUGmeNt study, the Academy’s Nutrition Research Network has developed a model that can be replicated to evaluate the implementation and impact of other evidence-based nutrition guidelines.
Funded by the Renal DPG and Relypsa, a Vifor Pharma Group Company
The State of Food and Nutrition Series
The purpose of this multiphase initiative is to demonstrate the value of RDN-led nutrition interventions addressing three high-priority non-communicable diseases – Type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease and hypertension – all of which are prevalent issues in the U.S. and globally. Poor nutritional status contributes to onset and progression of these diseases and appropriate medical nutrition therapy can prevent or delay their progression. However, many people with these conditions do not have access to an RDN and do not receive appropriate nutrition care.
Through an expert forum, building of a research strategy and prospective data collection and analysis, this project will build on the evidence to support increased access to and reimbursement for nutrition care delivered by RDNs treating these conditions. Broader access to the RDN expertise will ultimately have a positive impact on health outcomes for individuals with these diseases.
Supported by Abbott Nutrition, the Commission on Dietetic Registration, Georgetown University, Diabetes Dietetic Practice Group, National Kidney Foundation, Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition, Relypsa, a Vifor Pharma Group Company, Renal Dietetic Practice Group and Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group
Annual Research Fund
The Foundation is expanding research efforts to make dollars available on an annual basis to fund research being conducted by the Academy and its members. These dollars will allow the Foundation to quickly respond to the ever-changing research needs of the profession. Since all dollars to this annual research fund will be made available for immediate disbursement, the Foundation believes this will allow for an even greater impact by providing consumers with the most relevant and accurate food and nutrition information and bringing more registered dietitians to the forefront.
Research Endowment
To support research in the dietetics profession, the Foundation established the Foundation Food and Nutrition Research Endowment in 2001. Interest generated from the endowment funds member-conducted research on top issues identified by the Academy and the Foundation.
Named Research Funds
The Foundation has several named funds which support research. Each grant has specific criteria governing its use and a separate review committee.