Knowledge Mobilization Dietitian

Background

The objectives of the BC Cancer Foundation-funded Knowledge Mobilization Dietitian role centered on creating a leadership role to enhance capacity for BC Cancer to provide evidence-based nutritional care to patients and families.  The three-year proof of concept role yielded significant outcomes in knowledge mobilization and innovation related to nutrition in cancer care. 

Aims

Approach

The scope of registered dietitian activities in BC Cancer has progressively narrowed in recent history, impacted by various factors including leadership changes, clinical demands, funding, and staffing limitations.  The supply of dietitians is challenged to meet the demand for the supportive cancer care required.  

Through a provincial Nutrition Connections community of practice re-established by the Knowledge Mobilization Dietitian, registered dietitians across the province were polled on what would make the greatest impact on their daily clinical practice. The community of practice responded that they required a dietitian to monitor and maintain clinical processes and patient education materials, ensuring that their clinical practice is up to date and consistent with best practices. Simply, the professional community inherently values the work of the Knowledge Mobilization Dietitian.  

Outcomes

Nutrition Innovation

• Development, implementation and evaluation of virtual fireside nutrition chats for patients
• Pilot implementation of Nutrition Intervention Framework (NIF), a novel evidence-based clinical tool to prioritize care in outpatient oncology nutrition
• Knowledge translation project co-created with patient partner to implement hand-grip strength measurements into nutrition assessments through education and practice support tools
• Dietitian-led research on enteral tube feeding 

Allied Health Workforce Development and Sustainment

• UBC Master of Nutrition and Dietetics capstone research project supervision
• Recruitment of prospective new graduate dietitians to BC Cancer  
• Re-establishment of Nutrition Connection community of practice for dietitians
• Academic partnership as Clinical Instructor for UBC Faculty of Land and Food Systems
• Support for clinical coordinator dietitians leading evidence-to-practice initiatives  

Advancement of Inter-disciplinary Team-Based and Supportive Care

• Consultation to clinical teams on evidence-informed nutrition best practices
• Subject matter expert for BC Cancer redevelopment project on supportive cancer care
• Subject matter expert for development of BC Cancer Supportive Care strategic plan
• Development and facilitation of group-based learning within the BC Cancer Planetary Health Nursing Internship regarding the role of nutrition and food systems in planetary and population health 

Improvement of Equity and Diversity in Cancer Care  

• Facilitation of knowledge mobilization at BC Cancer Summit on the role of food as medicine, Indigenous Worldview, and the intersection of systemic racism and food insecurity
• Needs assessment for equity-deserving clients unseen by BC Cancer dietitians resulting in virtual clinical intervention 

Positioning BC Cancer and BC Cancer Foundation and Regional and National Leaders

• Participation in national dietitian registration exam-writing committee
• Subject matter expert and HUB member in Supportive Care Oncology Practice Project Echo
• Contributing member of National Gastric Cancer Delphi Panel for nutrition recommendations