The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is dedicated to supporting evidence-based practice and recommends that nutrition and dietetics practitioners utilize evidence-based principles and current scientific evidence within their practice. Academy position papers, practice papers, and consensus reports are designed to inform Academy members of the latest research on specific topics in the field of nutrition.
A position paper is a critical analysis of current facts, data, and research literature on a specific issue. A key feature of the paper is the position statement, which represents the Academy’s stance on the specific issue. A practice paper is a critical analysis of the current research literature that addresses a practice topic to translate science into practice. As of 2019, practice papers will no longer be generated. Instead, the Academy will develop consensus reports to inform members of current research on nutrition topics.
Position papers can be developed if the supporting systematic review topic is controversial, confusing, important for policy, or requires clarification and if the systematic review conclusion statement has high-quality evidence. However, if the quality of evidence is a limited or weak, the systematic review expert panel may develop a consensus report.
Position papers and consensus reports must be developed from a systematic review. Topic suggestions for systematic reviews are submitted by Academy members and stakeholders. The Academy’s Research Priorities also serves as a guide.
Position papers and consensus reports are published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Academy members, health professionals and the public can download a free copy of active position papers from eatrightPRO.org. Once expired, papers are removed from the website and only available from the journal’s website.
