Exploring the use, benefits, and challenges of nutrition applications among clinical nutrition specialists in Saudi Arabia
TL;DR
Digital nutrition tools can facilitate aspects of clinical practice, including workflow and patient care, however, balanced use is important to maintain professional competence and preserve critical manual skills, suggesting that technology should complement, rather than replace, core clinical expertise.
Abstract
Background/Objectives Technological advancements in Saudi Arabia have influenced healthcare delivery, including clinical nutrition practice. This study examined the impact of digital nutrition tools on clinical dietitians' work, focusing on perceived benefits, challenges, and experiences with technology integration. Methods A mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected through a self-developed online survey of senior clinical nutrition students, interns, and practicing clinical dietitians (n = 272). Qualitative data were obtained via semi-structured online interviews with 10 participants. Surveys assessed tool usage, perceived benefits, and challenges, while interviews explored participants' experiences in depth. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were examined using Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis to ensure rigor, credibility, and cultural relevance. Results Survey participants were predominantly female, Saudi nationals with bachelor's degrees in clinical nutrition and 1 to 5 years of professional experience. Respondents generally agreed on the usefulness of digital tools; however, perceived barriers differed significantly by educational level (p = 0.047) and professional role (p = 0.037), whereas perceived benefits did not differ significantly across either variable (p > 0.05). Qualitative interviews indicated that digital tools supported efficiency, accuracy, and patient care. Four main themes emerged: technology as a catalyst for efficiency, risks of overreliance, cultural and systemic gaps, and emerging interest in artificial intelligence (AI), including general-purpose tools and specialized clinical AI platforms for dietary assessment and food recognition, with variable participant ability to distinguish between the two. Concerns included application reliability and the need to maintain manual calculation skills. Conclusions Digital nutrition tools can facilitate aspects of clinical practice, including workflow and patient care. However, balanced use is important to maintain professional competence and preserve critical manual skills, suggesting that technology should complement, rather than replace, core clinical expertise.