Interprofessional Collaboration in Nutrition Informatics

Recently Nutritional informatics has rapidly grown as a field and now encompass multiple fields of study.  Biomedical informatics applications represent a way to potentially improve quality and efficiency of nutrition management. It has been observed that computer systems in the clinical setting improved nutrient delivery, rates of malnutrition, weight loss, blood glucose values, clinician efficiency, and error rates. Nutritional informatics is the connection between information, nutrition, and technology. Apart from this, it has been found that biomedical ontologies have applications in improving  the standardization and interoperability of nutrition terminologies and thereby improving relationships between nutrition and other biomedical disciplines such as disease and phenomics. 

References

Interprofessional collaborative practice directly promotes the accomplishment of a healthier and more fiscally responsible healthcare system by providing a framework that prepares all healthcare professionals to collaborate effectively and creatively (Eliot et al., 2021).

The interprofessional nutritional training is to provide health professionals with the skills, information, and attitudes necessary to provide evidence-based interdisciplinary treatment to successfully manage and prevent nutrition-related disease conditions.

The benefits of interprofessional collaboration in nutrition informatics are:

• Improved patient satisfaction and outcome
• Enhanced knowledge and skills of healthcare team members
• Reduced cost and errors

References

Kathrin Eliot, Amy Morel L'Horset, Karen M Gibson, Stephanie Petrosky: Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Elsevier BV Year: 2021 Volume: 121 Issue: 4 DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2020.08.010.  //www.jandonline.org/article/S2212-2672%2820%2931057-1/pdf

Julie Santy-Tomlinson, Celia Laur, Sumantra Ray: Perspectives in nursing management and care for older adults: 2021 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-63892-4_12.  //link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-63892-4_12

The interpersonal collaboration has turned to be a significant element in the field of nutrition informatics. Interprofessionalism in nutrition informatics foster the highest quality, compassionate and person-centred care. In order to provide person-cantered care with the aim to bring improvement in the outcomes of nutrition informatics system, interpersonal collaborative practice is evidently playing a vital role. However, diversity of the team with different competence needs to work on common goals for the continuum of patient care.

Reference: McLaney, E., Morassaei, S., Hughes, L., Davies, R., Campbell, M., & Di Prospero, L. (2022). A framework for interprofessional team collaboration in a hospital setting: Advancing team competencies and behaviours. Healthcare management forum, 35(2), 112–117. //doi.org/10.1177/08404704211063584

The process of designing effective instruction for Interprofessional Collaboration in Nutrition Informatics begins with a thorough analysis of learning needs, employing the Systems Model of Evaluation and input from stakeholders. This assessment encompasses understanding the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies. Drawing from non-RDN perspectives, a study similar to Gordon's identified a learning spectrum tailored to Interprofessional Collaboration within Nutrition Informatics.

The compilation of essential collaboration skills is informed by both literature and stakeholder engagement, benefiting from insights beyond the nutrition domain. To enhance the development of Interprofessional Collaboration in Nutrition Informatics experiences, established tools like accreditation standards, IPEC Core Competencies, Bloom's Taxonomy, and Kirkpatrick’s Evaluation Typology can be utilized effectively.

Notably, the study underscores the significance of incorporating soft skills to ensure workplace success and aligning education with the pragmatic demands of Nutrition Informatics. In conclusion, the insights gathered from diverse stakeholders emphasize the need to enrich education in Interprofessional Collaboration for nutrition practitioners in the context of informatics, fostering both soft skills and confidence within interdisciplinary settings. 

Reference : Gordon, B., & Weeden, A. (2023). The interprofessional practice learning needs of nutrition and Dietetics students. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 123(3), 386–398. //doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2022.11.01

Interprofessional collaborative practice has been defined as a process which includes decision-making and communication, enabling a synergistic influence of grouped knowledge and skills. Elements of collaborative practice include responsibility, accountability, coordination, communication, cooperation, assertiveness, autonomy, and mutual trust and respect. There is emerging evidence that when interprofessional healthcare teams practice collaboratively it can enhance the delivery of person-centred care and lead to improved patient and health systems outcomes. In an effort to train Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) and promote interprofessional collaboration, a number of competency frameworks have been developed.

The framework aims to support interprofessional collaboration which is placed at the centre of the figure. The competencies extend to the four domains which encircle interprofessional collaboration in the figure: (1) clinical and professional practice and care, (2) education, (3) research and quality improvement, and (4) approach to leadership.

Research evidence has shown a number of results: * Collaborative practice can improve: - access to and coordination of health-services - appropriate use of specialist clinical resources - health outcomes for people with chronic diseases - patient care and safety. * Collaborative practice can decrease: - total patient complications - length of hospital stay - tension and conflict among caregivers - staff turnover - hospital admissions - clinical error rates - mortality rates. * In community mental health settings collaborative practice can: - increase patient and care satisfaction - promote greater acceptance of treatment - reduce duration of treatment - reduce cost of care - reduce incidence of suicide- increase treatment for psychiatric disorders - reduce outpatient visits.

References:

Bridges, D. R., Davidson, R. A., Odegard, P. S., Maki, I. V., & Tomkowiak, J. (2011). Interprofessional collaboration: three best practice models of interprofessional education. Medical education online, 16, 10.3402/meo.v16i0.6035. //doi.org/10.3402/meo.v16i0.6035

McLaney E, Morassaei S, Hughes L, Davies R, Campbell M, Di Prospero L. (2022).A framework for interprofessional team collaboration in a hospital setting: Advancing team competencies and behaviours. Healthcare Management Forum.;35(2):112-117. doi:10.1177/08404704211063584

WHO Headquarters (HQ. (2010, September). Framework for action on interprofessional education & collaborative practice. Who.int; World Health Organization. //www.who.int/publications/i/item/framework-for-action-on-interprofessional-education-collaborative-practice

Intersectoral collaboration in nutrition informatics is the process of working together with other sectors or disciplines that are related to nutrition, information, and technology, such as health, agriculture, education, and social protection. The benefits are:

• It can enhance the availability, accessibility, and usability of nutrition data and information across different sectors and platforms, which can facilitate evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation. In India, a qualitative study on the role of intersectoral convergence in delivering essential maternal and child nutrition interventions among two Govt programs: ICDS and NRHM identified the factors that facilitate or hinder intersectoral collaboration in policy implementation and service delivery.
• It can foster innovation and creativity in developing and implementing nutrition solutions that are tailored to the needs and preferences of different populations and contexts.
• It can promote learning and sharing of best practices and experiences among different sectors and disciplines, which can improve the capacity and skills of nutrition professionals and stakeholders.
• It can increase the advocacy and awareness of nutrition issues and challenges among different sectors and audiences, which can generate more support and commitment to nutrition actions.

References:

Operationalizing Multi-sectoral Coordination and Collaboration for Improved Nutrition. (2017). Retrieved from spring: //www.spring-nutrition.org/publications/briefs/operationalizing-multi-sectoral-coordination-and-collaboration-in-improved-nutrition

Okeyo, I., Lehmann, U. & Schneider, H. The impact of differing frames on early stages of intersectoral collaboration: the case of the First 1000 Days Initiative in the Western Cape Province. Health Res Policy Sys 18, 3 (2020). //doi.org/10.1186/s12961-019-0508-0

Rudolph, L., J. Caplan, C. Mitchell, K. Ben-Moshe, and L. Dillon. 2013. Health in All Policies: Improving Health Through Intersectoral Collaboration. NAM Perspectives. Discussion Paper, National Academy of Medicine, Washington, DC.  //doi.org/10.31478/201309a

van Dale, D., Lemmens, L., Hendriksen, M., Savolainen, N., Nagy, P., Marosi, E., Eigenmann, M., et al. (2020). Recommendations for Effective Intersectoral Collaboration in Health Promotion Interventions: Results from Joint Action CHRODIS-PLUS Work Package 5 Activities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(18), 6474. MDPI AG. Retrieved from //dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186474

Benefits and Implications of Interprofessional Collaboration:

1. Improved patient care and outcomes: Interprofessional collaboration allows for a comprehensive and integrative approach to patient care, leading to better management of diseases and improved health outcomes for patients.

2. Enhanced knowledge exchange: Collaborating with different healthcare professionals provides opportunities for sharing expertise, knowledge, and best practices, leading to a more informed and effective delivery of health education and support.

3. Fostering working relationships: Interprofessional collaboration helps build strong working relationships between health educators and primary care providers, promoting trust, mutual respect, and effective communication, which are vital for successful teamwork.

4. Negotiating space, place, and role: Collaborative efforts require negotiation and clarification of roles, responsibilities, and practice settings, ensuring that each team member understands their role in the integrated disease care model.

The following paper discusses interprofessional collaboration in the integration of diabetes teams into primary care that facilitates coordinated and patient-centered care, improves communication and knowledge sharing, and enhances the overall quality of diabetes management. The findings highlight the importance of adapting to new changes and challenges, providing support and resources for effective collaboration, and ensuring positive outcomes for both patients and professionals.

Reference:

Gucciardi E, Espin S, Morganti A, Dorado L. Exploring interprofessional collaboration during the integration of diabetes teams into primary care. BMC Fam Pract. 2016 Feb 1;17:12. doi: 10.1186/s12875-016-0407-1. PMID: 26831500; PMCID: PMC4736701.

Management of malnutrition in older adults requires collaboration among multiple clinical disciplines. Malnutrition management needs an interdisciplinary team approach and leadership with interprofessional collaboration and practice (IPCP) that will foster open communication among health care providers..

 In a study by Fitriana et. al, the nutritional status of the older adults was measured using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). MNA has been designed and validated as a rapid assessment of nutritional status in older adults in outpatient settings such as primary health care. The IPCP in the management of malnutrition in older adults was shown to be an effective way to improve nutritional status. IPCP has a strong and significant correlation with the nutritional status in older adults. The IPCP implementation could significantly improve their nutritional status after the IPCP implementation compared to usual care.

The research of Eliot et al. that found nutrition-focused quality improvement promotes an interprofessional approach for early identification and treatment for malnutrition. The integration of teamwork into patient care can personally and professionally benefit from engaging in interprofessional competencies.

References

1. Eliot KA ,  L’Horset AM , Gibson K , Petrosky S. Interprofessional education and collaborative practice in nutrition and dietetics 2020: an update. J Acad Nutr Diet 2021; 121 (4): 637–46.

2. Tappenden KA, Quatrara B, Parkhurst  ML et al. Critical role of nutrition in improving quality of care: an interdisciplinary call to action to address adult hospital malnutrition.J Acad Nutr Diet 2013;113(9):1219–37.

3. Fitriana Mawardi and others, Effectiveness of collaboration in older adults: do interprofessional teams improve nutritional status more compared to usual care?, Family Practice, Volume 39, Issue 1, February 2022, Pages 32–37,  //doi.org/10.1093/fampra/cmab052

References:

WHO Headquarters (HQ. (2010, September). Framework for action on interprofessional education & collaborative practice. Who.int; World Health Organization. //www.who.int/publications/i/item/framework-for-action-on-interprofessional-education-collaborative-practice

Kandiah, J., McIntosh, C., & Boucher, N. (2023). Nutritional Wellness in Preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Perspectives on Early Childhood Psychology and Education, 5(1). //doi.org/10.58948/2834-8257.1043

Interprofessional collaborative practice (IPCP)is an essential component of healthcare to improve the quality of the service, manage  the existing work force.

A case study-  malnutrition among orderly population in Community and primary health care in Indonesia. IPCP was worked out. It foster

• Open communication among health care providers
• Essential collaborative skills include negotiation, delegation, mutual trust, cooperation and shared leadership.

In this study conducted in Indonesia, the five health professionals consisting of a

1. GP-Head-to-toe health examination by the GP
2. Dietician-Health education for preparing meal from the dietitian
3. Dentist-Dental and oral health intervention such as tooth filling and suggestions for using prosthetics or dentures by the dentist
4. Nurse-Vital sign assessment by the nurse Dietitian
5. Pharmacist-Give drug administration education

Results: The results showed that IPCP has a strong and significant correlation with the nutritional status in older adults.

//academic.oup.com/fampra/article/39/1/32/6338484

"Collaborative practise occurs when multiple health workers from various professional backgrounds work together with patients, families, careers, and communities to deliver the highest quality of care across settings," according to WHO.
The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of interprofessional collaboration and practise (IPCP) implementation for older individuals with malnutrition to standard care. These findings show that collaborating with more than one health practitioner can improve nutritional status more effectively than standard daily care.

References:

World Health Organization. (2010) Framework for action on interprofessional education and collaborative practice. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO

//doi.org/10.1093/fampra/cmab052

Ensuring health for all is a challenge worldwide, encompassing such issues as access, chronic care, infectious diseases, affordability, and/or social determinants [1]. Within the disciplines of health informatics and information management (HIIM), educational content is sought by many disciplines in universities. Curricula in the health sciences, such as nursing, health services administration (HSA), dentistry, public health, pharmacy, and computing/informatics, are now offering health information management (HIM) and health informatics courses. The standards indicate that interprofessional education enables the baccalaureate graduate to enter the workplace with baseline competencies and confidence for interactions and with communication skills that will improve practice, thus yielding better patient outcomes [2]. Nutrition informatics was seen as a growth area offering many opportunities for the dietetics profession. The primary benefit described was the gathering of large data sets that could be used to improve the efficiency of interventions and enhance patient outcomes. If dietitians were not involved in the development of nutrition informatics,
studies suggested that another profession would fill these roles, and the systems may not be fit for the purpose of dietetics. To enhance dietetic involvement in nutrition informatics, future needs identified were training and professional development, including certification, leadership, and mentoring. Mobile health apps. In the literature we reviewed, nutrition apps were seen as a valuable tool to assist in patient care and, if used in conjunction with dietetic counselling, could enhance the client-dietitian relationship. It was reported that dietitians want access to credible, well-designed apps that can be integrated into current practice. However, mobile health apps (aka, mHealth apps) were reported to be poorly designed for collaborative treatment with a dietitian. They were noted to have the potential to increase the quality and efficiency of healthcare by gathering real-time, noninvasive data; however, access to these data was reported to be limited [3].

1.Interprofessional clinical informatics education and practice: Essentials for learning healthcare systems worldwide. (2017). Journal of Interprofessional Care. //www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13561820.2016.1250554

2. Health Information Management Course Sharing: An Interprofessional/Multidisciplinary Perspective

3. Trends, challenges, opportunities, and future needs of the dietetic workforce: a systematic scoping review

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In health care, it is widely assumed that collaborative efforts result in improved health services and outcomes for the people served. According to Littlechild and Smith, collaboration leads to increased efficiency, a more diverse skill set, higher levels of responsiveness, more holistic services, innovation and creativity, and a more user-centered practice. The World Health Organization (WHO) has connected IPC to improved outcomes in family health, infectious illness, humanitarian assistance, epidemic response, and noncommunicable diseases. Further research has revealed gains in access to care and service coordination, appropriate use of specialized care, chronic illness outcomes, and safety. Complication and mistake rates, duration of hospital stay, carer conflict, staff turnover, and death rates are all important markers of safety, patient care, and the environment of care.

Sources: //meridian.allenpress.com/jce/article/29/1/1/131206/Interprofessional-collaboration-in-research