RDNs Play Crucial Role in Nutrition Research Communication and Dissemination

It can take as long as 17 years for findings to become adopted into clinical practice, according to some estimates. That means improvements in patient care and outcomes, as well as potential health care cost savings, can be significantly delayed. There are many reasons for this delay, including the slow pace and limited distribution of research findings, limited access due to paywalls for some publications, misinterpretation or distortion of research, and lack of research and science literacy. However, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) and other qualified nutrition professionals can help shorten the time it takes for research to be implemented by being proactive about communicating and disseminating the latest in nutrition research.

Recently published online in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the new paper "Communicating Nutrition and Dietetics Research: A Crucial Step to Advancing Evidence-Based Practice" provides recommendations and considerations for how all RDNs, even those not affiliated with the research, can and should participate in communication and dissemination of nutrition research. Among other things, the authors highlight the value of systematic reviews of research that translate the findings into practice guidelines and recommendations, such as those conducted by teams led by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, sometimes funded by the Academy Foundation. Authors highlight the importance of health equity in the communication and dissemination of research and how it can help address health disparities, but that collaboration and respect for diversity and culturally appropriate messaging is essential. Use of plain language for research communication is another key part of effective research dissemination.

At the end of the day, the authors say, it is the ethical responsibility of the researcher, journalist and RDN to share accurate research information. The RDN can help provide context and practical application that makes the research useful, as well as accessible. Read the full paper online in JAND.