Unpacking Nutrition Integration in Irish Healthcare: A Qualitative Exploration Across Five Clinical Disciplines

Nutrition care is fundamental to effective healthcare; nevertheless, its everyday implementation by Irish healthcare professionals (HCPs) is poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the knowledge, practice, and perceived barriers to delivering nutrition care among HCPs and students in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy in Ireland. A qualitative design using semi-structured interviews was conducted with 37 purposively selected HCPs and students from diverse clinical and primary care settings. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify key patterns and insights. Three central themes were identified: (1) Professional Boundaries, Confidence & Perceived Competence in Nutrition Knowledge, (2) Structural & Logistical Barriers to Nutrition Integration and (3) Variability in Nutrition Integration & Its Impact on Healthcare Practice. Participants universally acknowledged the importance of nutrition; however, unclear role boundaries, limited formal education, inconsistent referral processes and resource constraints hindered its implementation. Confidence in providing nutrition advice was largely driven by personal initiative rather than structured education, leading to inconsistent care. Uncertainty surrounding referral pathways, and concerns about burdening colleagues compounded barriers to effective nutrition support. Despite valuing interdisciplinary collaboration, siloed working practices resulted in missed opportunities for timely, coordinated nutrition interventions-especially for patients with complex needs. A disconnect exists between the acknowledged value of nutrition care and its practical integration into Irish healthcare. Addressing this gap requires enhanced undergraduate and postgraduate training, clearer referral frameworks, stronger interprofessional collaboration and improved access to dietetic support. These measures are essential to strengthen nutrition care delivery and improve patient outcomes across healthcare settings.