Evaluating Evidence-Based Nutrition Support Practice Among Healthcare Professionals With and Without the Certified Nutrition Support Clinician Credential

Background: The National Board of Nutrition Support Certification credentials healthcare professionals and certifies that holders of the Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) credential have specialized knowledge of safe and effective nutrition support therapy. The purpose of this pilot study was to survey healthcare professionals affiliated with the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.) regarding their approaches to nutrition support practice using a complex patient case scenario in accordance with established clinical guidelines. Materials and Methods: An electronic survey was emailed to individuals affiliated with A.S.P.E.N. Eight multiple-choice knowledge questions addressed evidence-based nutrition support practice issues for a patient with progressing pancreatitis. Demographic and clinical characteristic data were collected. Results: Of 48,093 email invitations sent, 4455 (9.1%) responded and met inclusion criteria. Most respondents were dietitians (70.8%) and in nutrition support practice for 10.3 years, and 29.3% held the CNSC credential. Respondents with the CNSC credential answered 6.18 questions correctly compared with 4.56 for non-CNSC respondents (P < .001). For all 8 questions, CNSC respondents were significantly more likely to choose the correct answer compared with non-CNSC respondents (P < .001). Conclusion: Professionals with the CNSC credential scored significantly higher on a complex case-based knowledge assessment of guideline recommendations for the nutrition support treatment of pancreatitis compared with those without a credential.