Background/Objectives: The Nutrition Care Process (NCP) is a standardized model designed to improve the quality and consistency of nutrition care. However, its implementation remains variable across settings, influenced by factors such as time constraints, training, peer support, and technological infrastructure. This systematic review aims to synthesize the available evidence on barriers and facilitators influencing the implementation of the NCP/NCPT and to explore how different documentation formats may influence its adoption. Methods: This systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines and included peer-reviewed studies published between 2009 and 2024 in English or Greek. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. Study quality was assessed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH) tool. A total of 11 reports representing eight studies were included, comprising cross-sectional, cohort, qualitative, and pilot designs. Results: The most commonly reported barriers to NCP implementation were lack of training, time constraints, and limited technological infrastructure. Key facilitators included support from national dietetic associations, peer collaboration, and access to electronic health records (EHRs). Electronic formats were more frequently described as supporting improved documentation practices, practitioner confidence, and workflow efficiency, whereas manual approaches were commonly reported as time-consuming and less structured. Conclusions: Digital integration of the NCP may support more consistent documentation practices and improved workflow processes; however, the current evidence is largely observational and heterogeneous. Evidence regarding patient-level outcomes remains limited, and definitive conclusions regarding the comparative effectiveness of implementation formats cannot be drawn. Further high-quality research is needed to evaluate the long-term clinical impact of NCP implementation.
Polydorou et al. (Sun,) studied this question.