Malnutrition Across the Lifespan: Perspectives from Registered Dietitians and Physical Therapists

This webinar was presented live on June 24, 2020

This webinar will serve as an introduction to malnutrition across the lifespan from the viewpoint of two health practitioners: a registered dietitian nutritionist and a physical therapist. Both professions play an enormous role in the identification and treatment of malnutrition and risk of malnutrition, whether related to nutritional intake or functional mobility. However, while their interventions are often reliant on the other, RDNs and PTs rarely manage patients together. This causes potential missed opportunities to positively impact patient outcomes and work on common goals together. This webinar will explore opportunities for collaborative care between RDNs and PTs, with an emphasis on promoting healthy aging throughout the lifespan.

CPE Level: 2
CPEU: 1.0
Learning Need Codes: 5285, 3020, 4040

Performance Indicators:

• 10.2.2 Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary team to identify and implement valid and reliable nutrition assessment tools to support access to care.
• 10.2.6 Effectively communicates findings and nutrition diagnoses to clients and the health care team.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the prevalence of malnutrition and the risk factors that apply to individuals of all ages and diagnoses.
2. Recognize the various opportunities to identify malnutrition and risk of malnutrition through assessments and reassessments performed by registered dietitian nutritionists and physical therapists.
3. Execute collaborative care approaches among registered dietitian nutritionists and physical therapists to address malnutrition for improved patient outcomes.

Speakers

Kate Walker MDA, RDN, LDN

Kate Walker, MDA, RDN, LDN is an assistant professor and clinical instructor for Simmons University where she precepts dietetic interns during their clinical rotations and teaches various core nutrition courses. Kate graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Hartford, Connecticut then pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition and dietetics from Simmons University. She completed her dietetic internship with Utah State University where she also earned her Masters' in Dietetics Administration. She also works as a contracted nutrition-focused physical exam trainer with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, travelling around the country, teaching NFPE workshops to nutrition professionals. Kate is passionate about progressive practice and building the teamwork necessary to provide the highest quality care to patients.

Patrick Berner PT, DPT, RDN

Dr. Patrick Berner is a physical therapist and registered dietitian nutritionist practicing in upstate South Carolina. He is one of only a few of individuals in the country who holds this combination of credentials. Dr. Berner received his Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of St. Augustine, and completed his Dietetic Internship through the University of Houston. His company, Fuel Physio, LLC, focuses on providing quality education, consulting, and coaching for general health and well-being of individuals, with an emphasis on human movement and nutrition. Dr. Berner is current adjunct faculty for Anderson and Baylor Universities' Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. He also currently sits on the steering committee for APTA's Council on Prevention, Health Promotion, and Wellness in Physical Therapy and is an advocate for physical therapists' involvement in population health.