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Enhancing Nutrition Care in Primary Healthcare: Exploring Practices, Barriers, and Multidisciplinary Solutions in Ireland

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  • Ebipade Juliet Eyemienbai

    (Department of Health and Nutritional Science, Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland
    Regional Hospital Mullingar, Health Service Executive, N91 NA43 Westmeath, Ireland)

  • Danielle Logue

    (Department of Health and Nutritional Science, Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland)

  • Gemma McMonagle

    (Department of Health and Nutritional Science, Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland)

  • Rónán Doherty

    (Department of Tourism and Sport, Atlantic Technological University, F92 FC93 Letterkenny, Ireland)

  • Lisa Ryan

    (Department of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Atlantic Technological University, H91 T8NW Galway, Ireland)

  • Laura Keaver

    (Department of Health and Nutritional Science, Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland)

Abstract

Good nutrition promotes a healthy population and mitigates the risk of disease. Integrating nutrition care in the primary healthcare system is considered an essential plan of action to manage poor nutritional status in the population. The role of primary healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the delivery of nutrition care is especially crucial due to a current lack of dietitians and dietary support in the primary care setting in Ireland. This qualitative research explored the current practice, barriers, facilitators, and feasible solutions proposed to optimize the provision of nutrition care by primary HCPs. Twenty semi-structured interviews (pharmacists (n = 14), dietitians (n = 3), a physiotherapist (n = 1), a speech and language therapist (n = 1), and a healthcare assistant (n = 1) were conducted. Six themes were derived from the data: current practice of nutrition care in primary care, perceived role, barriers and facilitators, the importance of a multidisciplinary patient-centred approach, training needs and preferences, and addressing barriers. Participants acknowledged the importance of nutrition care in clinical practice, the principal role of the dietitian as part of the multidisciplinary team, and the essential clinical competencies and nutrition training models that may facilitate the provision of nutrition care in primary practice. A paradigm shift to a multidisciplinary care model that prioritises the integration of nutrition care into primary care practice to ensure optimal dietary counselling is afforded to patients is essential.

Suggested Citation

  • Ebipade Juliet Eyemienbai & Danielle Logue & Gemma McMonagle & Rónán Doherty & Lisa Ryan & Laura Keaver, 2025. "Enhancing Nutrition Care in Primary Healthcare: Exploring Practices, Barriers, and Multidisciplinary Solutions in Ireland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(5), pages 1-17, May.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:5:p:771-:d:1655000
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