SEARCHCROSS-SECTIONALrheumatology, clinical nutrition

cross-sectional·rheumatology, clinical nutrition, dietetics, internal medicine, nutrition·PMC10515988

A survey of Australian rheumatologists’ perspectives of nutrition needs in systemic sclerosis

Journal of Scleroderma and Related Disorders · 6 authors, 6 centres

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TL;DR

The rheumatologists unanimously agreed that dietetic services would be beneficial to help patients manage symptoms and gain weight.

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676 CHARS

A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to 27 eligible Australian rheumatologists from January to March 2022, with 17 (63%) respondents. The survey collected data on demographics, observed patient symptoms, nutrition concerns, and preferred dietetic service provision. Rheumatologists reported that patients used food avoidance or special diets (71%) to manage symptoms. All respondents indicated that dietetic consultation would be beneficial, with a preference for written resources (88%), face-to-face (82%), and telephone consultations (82%). The findings suggest a strong perceived need for integrated dietetic services in the care of systemic sclerosis patients.

STUDY TYPE

cross-sectional

SPECIALTY

rheumatology

SUMMARISED BY

AI pipeline

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100% · A

ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10515988

A survey of Australian rheumatologists’ perspectives of nutrition needs in systemic sclerosis

Journal of Scleroderma and Related Disorders

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ABSTRACT

Abstract Aim: Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is an incurable inflammatory condition synonymous with unique nutrition needs. As rheumatologists are frequently responsible for managing the various organ manifestations, this study aimed to understand the service needs and nutritional concerns of rheumatologists involved in the care of adults with systemic sclerosis. Methods: A 13-item online qualitative and quantitative survey was distributed via REDCap ® from January to March 2022 to rheumatologists who are members of the Australian Scleroderma Interest Group and consult patients with systemic sclerosis. Data were collected on rheumatologists’ demographics, and their views on symptoms observed, nutrition concerns and priorities, and preferred dietetic service provision for their patients. Data are reported as number (%). Results: Of 27 eligible rheumatologists, 17 (63%) completed the survey. All rheumatologists reported gastrointestinal symptoms in their patients ( n = 17, 100%); predominantly reflux ( n = 17, 100%) and dysphagia ( n = 17, 100%). Weight loss was observed by the majority of rheumatologists ( n = 15, 88%). Rheumatologists reported patients used food avoidance/special diets to manage symptoms ( n = 12, 71%). Dietetic consultation was reported as potentially beneficial by all rheumatologists, with the preferred time being when symptoms increase or change ( n = 15, 88%), and the preferred approaches being written resources ( n = 15, 88%), face-to-face ( n = 14, 82%) and telephone consultation ( n = 14, 82%). Advice on gaining weight ( n = 14, 82%) and systemic sclerosis symptom management ( n = 13, 77%) were the most desired education topics reported. Conclusion: Rheumatologists commonly observe gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with systemic sclerosis and report dietetics services would be advantageous in supporting their patients to gain weight and better manage their symptoms. Keywords: Systemic sclerosis, rheumatology, gastrointestinal symptoms, service delivery, dietetics, nutrition

CITATION EXPORT

De-arne A Samm, Aimee R Macoustra, Rhiannon K Crane et al.. A survey of Australian rheumatologists’ perspectives of nutrition needs in systemic sclerosis. Journal of Scleroderma and Related Disorders. (2023). https://doi.org/10.1177/23971983231185465

AUTHORS

6 · 6 CENTRES

De-arne A Samm, Aimee R Macoustra, Rhiannon K Crane, Leah M McWilliams, Susanna M Proudman, Lee-anne S Chapple

1Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
2Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
3Rheumatology Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
4Discipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
5Intensive Care Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
6Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia