Authors

  1. Galicki, Sarah Elyse MS, RDN, LDN
  2. Coccia, Catherine PhD, RD

Abstract

The role of registered dietitians (RDs) on bariatric treatment teams is not delineated. This project examines the knowledge of RDs about bariatric nutrition recommendations and the influence on dietetic practice. A 45-item Bariatric Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (BNKQ) was distributed through e-mail listservs associated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The BNKQ was designed to assess practitioners' knowledge of bariatric treatment recommendations. RDs (n = 249) reported a low level of overall bariatric knowledge (mean = 63.1% +/- 10.35%) for predicting practice recommendations (t = 8.60, P < .00). These findings support a need for continuing education.