Illinois Academy Delegates Corner

There is an updated approved amendment to the Academy Bylaws:
Article VII Section 1a: Number, Qualifications and Tenure:
The Nominating Committee shall have ten (10) members; seven (7) of whom shall be good standing members of the Academy and elected by the membership of the Academy; two (2) of whom are qualified as holding the position of immediate Past Presidents of the Academy; and one (1) of whom is the Chief Executive Officer serving in an ex-officio capacity. The immediate Past Presidents shall be eligible to vote on the committee. A member serving on the Nominating Committee shall not hold nor be a candidate for an elected office of the Academy. The seven (7) elected members shall each serve a three (3) year staggered term. The appointed members shall each serve a two (2) year staggered term.

Ethics Discussion:
A summary of the top 3 ideas that came from delegate small group discussion is below related to educational opportunities for members on the code of ethics.

1. Improvement of Ethics Resources by making them more interactive and engaging while focusing on emerging areas through use of scenarios
2.  Enhanced Communication Strategies
3. Consider small group scenario discussions with opportunities to receive feedback

The code of Ethics Taskforce will be reviewing feedback provided.

Accomplishments of the 24-25 Program Year

The House of Delegates (HOD) achieved several key accomplishments in Fiscal Year 2025, including: 

1. Strategic Realignment and Operational Streamlining: Increasing focus and purpose, aligning activities with roles and responsibilities, and improving coordination across Academy entities.

2. Updated Environmental Scanning Form: Enhanced alignment of critical issue submissions with FY2025 priorities, such as advocacy, STEM recognition for nutrition and dietetics, and public perception of RDNs.

3. AI Integration: Convened workgroups to assess AI’s impact, influencing its integration into the Academy’s Strategic Plan.

4. Low Student Enrollment Initiative: Launched "Reimagining the Power of Our Profession" to address enrollment, retention, and burnout challenges.

5. Ethics and Governance Enhancements: Passed a bylaws amendment, appointed new committee members, revised leadership position descriptions, and discussed ethics education improvements.

Insights from March HOD Discussions
Posted by the Delegates of the Illinois Academy of Nutrition

Summary of Barriers and Facilitators to Implementing Evidence-Based Guidelines (EBGs)
During our recent breakout sessions at the March House of Delegates (HOD) discussions, we identified key barriers and facilitators to the effective implementation of Evidence-Based Guidelines (EBGs). Here are the top insights:

Top 3 Barriers:

1. Complex Language and Terminology
• The use of technical language limits the accessibility and effectiveness of EBGs, making it challenging for practitioners to understand and apply them.
2. Overwhelming Volume of Information
• Excessive detail and poor organization within guidelines can make them difficult to navigate and apply in practice.
3. Resistance to Change
• Leaders and colleagues often resist adopting new practices, creating cultural and operational challenges that hinder the implementation of EBGs.

Top 3 Facilitators:

1. Supportive Administrative Staff
• Physician and provider champions play a crucial role in driving the adoption of EBGs, providing the necessary support and encouragement.
2. Concise, Accessible Resources
• Simplified summaries, infographics, and cheat sheets make guidelines easier to understand and apply, enhancing their effectiveness.
3. Webinars & Training Opportunities
• Offering training sessions helps practitioners learn how to implement EBGs effectively, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

We invite all members to engage with this post, share their thoughts, and contribute to the ongoing discussion on improving the implementation of EBGs. Together, we can drive positive change in our practices and enhance patient care.