BACKGROUND: The management of @entity746 / @entity4681 ( @entity2655 /MND) has shifted from an attitude of nihilism to treatments that prolong survival and offer hope. Nutrition is an integral component of @entity2655 /MND care requiring coordination among acute and community multi-disciplinary teams (MDT). Evidence-based nutrition guidelines exist for this @entity1 group but their use among dietitians is unknown. The aim of this study was to survey the knowledge, practice and guideline use of dietitians working in @entity2655 /MND centres/clinics across England, Wales, Northern Ireland (EWNI) and Canada. METHOD: Dietetic contact details were obtained from the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) and the @entity2655 Society of Canada (ALSSC) websites. Telephone interviews were conducted with 23 dietitians using a standardized questionnaire. RESULTS: Multi-disciplinary team membership was high (78%). Only 22% dietitians had >4-years experience in @entity2655 /MND care. Dietitians reported using body weight, percentage @entity353 (PWL) and body mass index (BMI) to assess nutritional status. Equations used to estimate energy and protein requirements differed. Most frequent dietary advice was high calorie, texture modification and prescription nutritional supplements. Artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) was discussed when @entity1 developed @entity1282 , energy intake was inadequate, @entity353 of 10% or forced vital capacity (FVC) was reduced. A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy ( @entity970 ) service was available at all clinics/centres. CONCLUSION: Nutritional assessment techniques and dietary advice should be standardized. Dietetic collaboration at national and international level is recommended to reduce professional isolation. Training and support in @entity2655 /MND nutrition should be made available as part of post-dietetic registration. Further dietetic research is required to stimulate nutritional care.

Nutritional advice and treatment by dietitians to @entity1 with @entity746 / XXXX : a survey of current practice in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Canada.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients', 'patient'] @entity353 :: ('MESH:D015431', 'Disease') :: ['weight loss'] @entity2655 :: ('MESH:C565957', 'Disease') :: ['ALS'] @entity4681 :: ('MESH:D016472', 'Disease') :: ['motor neurone disease'] @entity1282 :: ('MESH:D003680', 'Disease') :: ['dysphagia'] @entity746 :: ('MESH:D000690', 'Disease') :: ['amyotrophic lateral sclerosis'] @entity970 :: ('CHEBI:46793', 'Chemical') :: ['PEG']
@entity4681 :: (MESH:D016472,Disease) :: ['motor neurone disease']
