Investigating dietitian and nutrition related practices with paediatric and adolescent eating disorder dietitians across Australia and New Zealand

About this study

The study aims to evaluate the current inpatient nutritional management practices and the personnel resourcing available for paediatric and adolescent eating disorder dietitians across Australia and New Zealand. Through this study, we hope to: 1. Understand the current practice of dietitians working within in eating disorder hospital services in Australia and New Zealand 2. Identify current dietetic resourcing within Australian and New Zealand eating disorder hospital services 3. Foster a collaborative approach between clinicians to assist in developing tailored solutions to enhancing patient outcomes This study directly supports the goals of the recently released Victorian Eating Disorder Strategy by contributing valuable data on the nutritional management and dietetic resourcing for paediatric and adolescent patients, which are critical areas of focus in improving the quality of care for individuals with eating disorders. The strategy emphasises the importance of specialised workforce development, integrated care, and evidence-based interventions —all of which are central to this study’s objectives. By identifying current practices and gaps within dietetic inpatient services, the study aims to enhance clinical collaboration and service delivery, aligning with Victoria's strategy to strengthen care pathways and improve outcomes for young people experiencing eating disorders across the state.

Research TeamCassandra Bendall and Dr. Christie Bennett
InstitutionMonash Health and Monash University
Ethics Approval NumberRES-24-0000-756Q
Funding SourceMonash Health Emerging Researcher Fellowship
Project Start Date6 November 2024
Project End Date30 June 2025
ParticipantsInpatient acute paediatric eating disorder dietitians
Day program paediatric eating disorder dietitians
Outpatient (in a hospital setting) paediatric eating disorder dietitians

**To participate dietitians must be working within a paediatric or adolescent setting*
What is InvolvedThe study involves completion of an online survey which is estimated to take between 10-15 minutes +/- the addition of a semi-structured interview if you wish to participate which is estimated to take between 30-45 minutes. I have attached the survey link below:

https://redcap.helix.monash.edu/surveys/?s=MYM4NKJ3MDK7X4FK

The survey link will close on Wednesday November 27th at 5pm AEST and participants consenting to semi-structured interviews will be contacted shortly after.
Contact DetailsCassandra Bendall - cassandra.bendall@monashhealth.org

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