Preferred Name
Sarah Kobayashi
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4130-7688
Date of Graduation
5-15-2025
Semester of Graduation
Spring
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Department of Health Professions
First Advisor
Dr. Ana Abad-Jorge
Second Advisor
Dr. Jermey Akers
Third Advisor
Dr. Jennifer Walsh
Fourth Advisor
Tegan Medico
Abstract
Abstract:
Background: The pediatric nutrition focused physical exam (PNFPE) is important for completing comprehensive assessment in pediatric patients, particularly those at risk for malnutrition. The PNFPE helps to identify the depletion of fat and muscle stores, as well as micronutrient deficiencies.
Methods: Pediatric RDNs, self-identified through CDR and practice group membership, were surveyed-to investigate their training, clinical practice, documentation, and barriers to use of the PNFPE. The survey instrument, validated by content experts and analyzed for reliability, was approved by our university’s IRB.
Results: A total of 65.8% of respondents held a graduate degree and 81.6% held a specialty certification. Participants had worked a total 13.8 years as pediatric RDNs, and most practiced at either an Academic Medical Centers (31.5%) or Pediatric Hospitals (30.2%). A total of 77% of respondents reported receiving training from either Academy or non-Academy sponsors. Furthermore, most respondents were “likely” or “very likely” to participate in web-based or pre-recorded training methods. Most respondents (59.5%) reported either always or frequently using the PNFPE in clinical practice, while 57.1% noted that PNFPE documentation was required at their institutions. The most common barriers to PNFPE use were lack of training (45.8%), lack of time (40.3%) and lack of confidence in their skills (39.6%).
Conclusion: While most respondents frequently used the PNFPE in clinical practice, barriers to PNFPE use often result in underutilization. Further exploration of more consistent and web-based training modalities and reduction of perceived barriers to PNFPE use is needed to enhance its implementation in diverse clinical settings.
