The role of the nutritionist in an interprofessional work at Health Reference Unit for the Elderly

• Grant number: 24/15762-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Public Health
• Principal Investigator: Helena Akemi Wada Watanabe
• Grantee: Susanne Marie Neumann
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Saúde Pública (FSP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Interprofessional work emerges as a fundamental strategy in health care due to the complexity of the aging phenomenon and the care of the elderly. An initiative of the Elderly Health Care Network of the city of São Paulo, in the state of São Paulo, that promotes interprofessional teamwork is the Health Reference Unit for the Elderly (HRUE). Among eleven professionals expected for the team, the nutritionist plays an essential role in ensuring adequate nutrition and nutritional status, especially in the face of challenges associated with aging. This study aims to identify the competencies of nutritionists in three HRUE located in the North, South, and West regions of the city of São Paulo, selected for convenience. Additionally, the objective is to understand the communication flow between the interprofessional team and the nutritionist, as well as the team's perceptions of the nutritionist's contribution in HRUE. This is a descriptive qualitative research, applying participant observation and interviews through a semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis will include descriptive statistical methods to organize, summarize, and interpret the collected information, while interviews and observations will undergo discourse analysis. It is expected that the competencies of the nutritionist in this field of practice will be delineated, highlighting the relevance for team members to understand such skills, as well as the importance of promoting efficient communication. These elements are crucial for providing integrated and excellent care to users, particularly in the nutritional context.