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Introduction to nutrition informatics in A ustralia
Author(s) -
Maunder Kirsty,
Williams Peter,
Walton Karen,
Ferguson Maree,
Beck Eleanor,
Probst Yasmine
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
nutrition and dietetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.479
H-Index - 31
eISSN - 1747-0080
pISSN - 1446-6368
DOI - 10.1111/1747-0080.12138
Subject(s) - informatics , health informatics , medicine , health administration informatics , patient care , work (physics) , narrative review , nursing , medical education , knowledge management , political science , engineering , computer science , intensive care medicine , public health , mechanical engineering , law
Aim The aim of this study was to provide an introduction to nutrition informatics, including a brief history and a rationale of its importance for A ustralian dietetics. Methods The study method used was a narrative review informed by a literature review and expert consultation with the A cademy of N utrition and D ietetics. Results Nutrition informatics has demonstrated potential to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, support research and ultimately enhance patient care. Governments and organisations have identified this as an emerging priority area. The D ietitians A ssociation of A ustralia has launched initiatives to advocate and provide strategic advice on dietetic involvement in biomedical informatics and specifically nutrition informatics. Conclusions If nutrition standards and processes are not integrated into information systems, dietitians may inherit technologies that do not support dietetic work practices, and opportunities to enhance nutrition services may be missed. It is recommended that dietitians be aware of the opportunities and potential benefits of nutrition informatics, become familiar and involved in technology initiatives, and take the lead in guiding the development and implementation of technologies that may impact patient nutritional care.