What do ketogenic dietitians and physicians need? A survey from the KetoCollegeAdvance™ training in United Kingdom

Abstract

Introduction

The ketogenic diet is a valuable nonpharmacologic therapy for the treatment of refractory epilepsy in children and adults. It can be time-intensive for ketogenic teams, typically comprised of a physician and dietitian at a minimum. Challenges and barriers to providing ketogenic diet services to patients by members of these teams has not been studied extensively.

Methods

A survey was created and distributed to attendees at a ketogenic diet training conference (KetoCollegeAdvance™) held 21–23 May 2024 in United Kingdom. Questions included Likert scales and fill-in responses. Surveys were provided by 63 attendees (mostly dietitians) from 17 countries.

Results

Respondents were mostly dietitians (45/63, 71 %) and from the United Kingdom. In regards to perceived interest levels in KD in general in their countries, dietitians were perceived as 80 % very or extremely interested, parents (66 %), and neurologists (45 %). The majority of teams included a dietitian (79 %) and physician (78 %). The majority, 43 (68 %) of respondents, assumed care of all aspects of epilepsy care once the KD was started. Common barriers to starting KD services included a long waiting list, lack of adult KD services, funding dietitians, and low referrals. Barriers to continuing KD services included poor patient compliance, a lack of financial resources for some families to afford foods, and a need for more pre-made ketogenic foods including bread, pizza, pasta, potato fries, and chocolates.

Conclusions

These results from a conference of international ketogenic dietitians and physicians highlights common difficulties in providing the ketogenic diet successfully. Addressing these barriers may help expand the usage of this therapy for more patients with epilepsy.