Evaluating the Implementation of Evidence-Based Kidney Nutrition Practice Guidelines: The AUGmeNt Study Protocol

Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guidelines (EBNPGs) inform registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) care for patients with chronic kidney disease grade 5 treated by dialysis (CKD G5D); however, there has been little evaluation of best practices for implementing EBNPGs. In this effectiveness-implementation hybrid study with a quasi-experimental design, United States RDNs in hemodialysis clinics will document initial and follow-up nutrition care for patients with CKD G5D using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Health Informatics Infrastructure (ANDHII) before and after being randomly assigned to a training model: 1) EBNPG knowledge training, or 2) EBNPG knowledge training plus an implementation toolkit. Aims of the study include examining congruence of RDN documentation of nutrition care with the EBNPG; describing common RDN-reported EBNPG acceptability, adoption and adaptation issues; and determining the feasibility of estimating the impact of RDN care on nutrition-related patient outcomes. The AUGmeNt study can inform effective development and implementation of future EBNPGs.