Background: Dietitians who care for patients with eating disorders (EDs) are expected to have undergone advanced training to develop knowledge and skills according to the “ANZAED practice and training standards for dietitians providing ED treatment”. Studies have found dietitians lack confidence and self-reported skill in treating patients with an ED. There are no studies looking at confidence or practice of dietitians working with people with EDs during pregnancy. As EDs are estimated to affect 5.2-7.5% of pregnant people it is imperative that dietitians possess the skill, knowledge, and confidence to treat this population.
Aim: To assess current practice, confidence, and training needs of dietitians treating EDs in pregnancy.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of Australian dietitians with past year experience in ED, antenatal or both fields was completed using MS Forms between Nov 2022 – Jan 2023.
Results: 117 responses were analysed. Time as a dietitian, but not recent experience in the population increased confidence to assess a person with an ED in pregnancy (P <0.01). Dietitians were more likely to weigh a person with an ED in pregnancy, however, were less likely to provide weight or kilojoule targets. The majority indicated further training (93%) and guidelines (98%) would be helpful.
Importance: This is the first study assessing dietitians’ current practice and confidence in screening, assessing and treating EDs during pregnancy. It highlights low levels of confidence, conflicting interventions provided, variation from current available guidelines for ED and antenatal populations, and the overwhelming need for access to training and guidelines.