1. Template provided by: “posters4research.com” Cross-sectional research study using a retrospective analysis of RDs from Survey Monkey. Inclusion Criteria: Valid RD credential Aramark Registered Dietitian Female/Male All ages Varying education levels Survey data was evaluated to determine RDs knowledge of pre/probiotics, if they integrate pre/probiotics into patient care, and the obstacles to incorporate emerging trends into patient care. A survey was created asking respondents varying questions regarding their demographics, career experiences, and current knowledge and use of pre/probiotics. This software allowed questions to be asked in different formats in order to receive appropriate responses for the research study. Approval from the Aramark Dietetic Internship program and corresponding directors was provided for this study. RDs frequently see patients with Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, constipation, and many other gastrointestinal issues. This study will assess RDs knowledge of prebiotics and probiotics, how they apply them into their practice and the obstacles they may face integrating an emerging trend into patient care. The method of research was done based on a cross-sectional design frame and information was gathered by utilizing Survey Monkey, an online survey software and questionnaire tool. Results were gathered from a small population of RD’s across the United States. Results demonstrated that majority of RDs suggest patients utilize pre/probiotics to ease gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the level of familiarity and confidence in research shows many RDs would prefer that more reliable research be available before answering questions regarding their use. Also, majority of respondents indicated that other healthcare professionals do not always consider their nutrition recommendations or that hospital policy may prevent them from incorporating emerging trends from their practice. In conclusion, research is still being conducted to determine the correct dosage, means of supplementation, and interactions between various strains. Registered Dietitians may be discouraged from implementing the use of pre/probiotics until further research has been conducted. Also, despite the topic at hand it can be a challenge to incorporate emerging trends into patient care due to various barriers such as facility, location, affordability, and other healthcare staff. ABSTRACTABSTRACT CONTACT INFORMATION Registered dietitians knowledge base and utilization of current research on pre/probiotics in patient care Registered dietitians knowledge base and utilization of current research on pre/probiotics in patient care S. Stern,BS, M. COX MS,RD ARAMARK Distance Learning Dietetic Internship Program, Philadelphia PA The list of diseases and conditions that are caused by the alteration of gut flora or interaction with the host keeps growing; therefore, research on pre/probiotics and its impact on gut health is a popular subject. 1.. Though clinical evidence supporting their use is still being investigated, several conditions will most likely benefit from their supplementation regarding many GI complications, both acute and chronic. 2 It’s expected that as health professionals understand the implications of gut flora on health, the use of prebiotics and probiotics will likely increase. 1 Animals studies have shown impressive results regarding the benefits of prebiotics and probiotics, several controlled short-term randomized trials demonstrated benefits of these bacteria’s on insulin sensitivity, inflammatory markers, post prandial gastrointestinal hormones, and tolerance for glucose. 4 Some studies suggest there are potential benefits of probiotics on encouraging and sustaining the remission in irritable bowel conditions. 5 One study showed the use of trans-galactooligosaccarides (a prebiotic) helped to alleviate symptoms of IBS and encourage the growth of bifidobacteria, yet dosages and relating compounds need be assessed in more detail. 5 In addition, probiotics have shown to modestly effective in various randomized control trials regarding the treatment of acute viral gastroenteritis and prevention of antibiotic associated diarrhea in healthy children and possibly prevent necrotizing entercolitis in infants who have a very low birth weight. 3 INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION METHODOLOGYMETHODOLOGYCONCLUSIONCONCLUSION Beyond the findings of pre/probiotic research, emerging trends can be difficult to implement regardless of the subject. Many RDs do not feel confident answering questions regarding pre/probiotics to patients/clients Many RDs utilize pre/probiotics for personal use RDs tend to feel more confident suggesting emerging research and have a higher acceptance of proposed treatment plans the longer an RD has been practicing. Pre/probiotics need more research in order for not only an RD but the healthcare team to agree upon their benefits and appropriate supplementation. For additional information, please contact: Elizabeth Miracle ARAMARK Dietetic Intern eamiracle@gmail.com RESEARCH QUESTION / OBJECTIVE What are Registered Dietitians knowledge of prebiotics and probiotics and how do they apply them in practice?” Chart evaluating percentage of surveyed Aramark RDs overall recommendation of pre/probiotics (right) A total of 83 people completed the survey regarding the use of Pro/prebiotics in the dietetic field. When asked how familiar the RDs are regarding pre/probiotics almost half were somewhat familiar, 40% were moderately familiar and 7% were very familiar. Out of 70 respondents about 62% indicated that they personally use pre/probiotics for their nutritional benefits According to the survey almost 80% of RDs recommend pre/probiotics to patients or clients, however majority are only somewhat comfortable answering questions on the subject. When asked what health conditions/symptoms these may be beneficial for, almost all respondents stated gastrointestinal disturbance. In general, about 32% of respondents indicated that other healthcare staff frequently utilized their recommendations regarding emerging trends into patient care, 60% stated healthcare staff will occasionally utilize their recommendations, less than 3% stated always and about 4% stated they never do. This study evaluated the knowledge RDs have regarding pre/probiotics and if they are integrated into patient care. Many of the findings were consistent with the theorization that RDs don’t feel they are educated enough on the use of pre/probiotics, however majority do recommend them to patients. It seems many RDs struggle with utilizing pre/probiotics for their patients because of hospital policies and/or disagreements between the interdisciplinary team. Limitations: Limited number of respondents Did not distinguish location Did not evaluate patient population, culture, and ethnicity Did not evaluate how long the RD had been practicing at the particular site Did not determine the RDs particular field of interest in dietetics Future research: Survey RDs employed by any company/self-employed/retired Determine RDs interest in dietetics Evaluate how long the RD has been at practice site in which they are referring to REFERENCESREFERENCES REFERENCES 1.Quigley E. Prebiotics and probiotics: their role in the management of gastrointestinal disorders in adults. Nutr Clin Pract. 2012 Apr;27(2):195-200. doi: 10.1177/0884533611423926. Epub 2011 Nov 29. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22127952. Accessed December 21,2013 2.Stanczak M, Heuberger R. Assessment of the knowledge and beliefs regarding probiotic use. Am J Health Educ. 2009;40(4):207-211. http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ871113.pdf. Accessed Decemeber 22, 2013. 3.Thomas D, Greer F. Probiotics and Prebiotics in Pediatrics. American Academy of Pediatrics. November 2010;1.1542:2010-2548. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/126/6/1217.full.pdf+html. Accessed December 23, 2013. 4.Musso G,Gambino R,Cassader M. Obesity, Diabetes, and Gut Microbiotia. American Diabetes Association.2010. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1521691813000619 Accessed December 22,2013. 5.Gourbeyre P, Denery S, Bodinier M. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics: impact on the gut immune system and allergic reactions. Journal of Leukocyte Biology. May 2011;volume 89. http://www.jleukbio.org/content/89/5/685.short. Accessed December 23,2013. 6.Simren M, Barbara G, Flint H, et al. Intestinal microbiota in functional bowel disorders: a Rome foundation report.2012. http://gut.bmj.com/content/early/2012/07/09/gutjnl-2012-302167.full.html. Accessed December 23, 2013. 7.Cani P, Lecourt E, Dewulf E, et al. Gut microbiota fermentation of prebiotics increases satietogenic and incretin gut peptide production with consequences for appetite sensation and glucose response after a meal. Am J Clinical Nutr.2009;90:1236-43. http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/90/5/1236.long. Accessed December 23, 2013 8.Rabot S, Rafter J, Rijkers G, et al. Guidance for Substantiating the Evidence for Beneficial Effects of Probiotics: Impact of Probiotics on Digestive System Metabolism. American Society for Nutrition.2007. http://jn.nutrition.org/content/140/3/677S.full.pdf+html. Accessed December 22, 2013. 9.SurveyMonkey Inc. Location: Palo Alto, California, USA. Accessed at www.surveymonkey.com. RESULTSRESULTS DISCUSSIONDISCUSSION For questions/concerns contact: Chelsea Stern at stern-chelsea@aramark.com