Progress and Variation in Nutrition Care for Preterm Infants in Australasia: Results From the 2024 Australasian...

To evaluate neonatal nutrition practices in Australia and New Zealand (NZ) in 2024 and compare these with previous surveys, international recommendations and British Dietetic Association workforce standards. The survey aimed to investigate progress towards standardisation, variations in practice and priorities for neonatal dietetic service development.

A two-part online survey was distributed to members of the Australasian Neonatal Dietitians Network (ANDiN) and dietitians working in Australasian neonatal units. Part 1 gathered site-level data; Part 2 focused on individual dietitians' roles. Responses were analysed descriptively and compared with the 2018 ANDiN survey. Dietitian full-time equivalent (FTE) allocations were benchmarked against (BDA) service recommendations.

About 39 neonatal units (26% NZ, 74% Australia) and 66 dietitians responded. Growth monitoring was near-universal, with 86% using Fenton 2013 charts and 91% using z-scores. However, 32% transitioned to WHO charts at 40 weeks, earlier than recommended. Parenteral nutrition hang time practices varied significantly. Donor breastmilk was available in 77% of units and probiotics were used in 89%. Only 23% of units met the recommended dietitian FTE and 16% reported ≤ 0.1 FTE. While 61% of dietitians attended ward rounds weekly or more, one-third never attended. Research participation remains low at 21%.

Progress is evident in standardised growth assessment and nutrition practices. However, wide variation remains in feed strategies, parenteral nutrition protocols and workforce capacity. Greater alignment with consensus guidelines and workforce benchmarks is needed. Enhancing neonatal dietitian integration, research engagement and resourcing is critical to supporting equitable, high-quality neonatal nutrition care.