Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics 2011 Survey on Member Research Activities, Needs, and Perceptions

Abstract

Research resulting in evidence-based recommendations is the foundation of nutrition and dietetics practice. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the Academy) conducted surveys of active members who are registered dietitians (RDs) with a doctorate and members of the Research Dietetic Practice Group (RDPG) in 2000, 2002, and 2006. 1 Myers E.F. Beyer P.L. Geiger C.J. Research activities and perspectives of research members of the American Dietetic Association. J Am Diet Assoc. 2003; 103: 1235-1243 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (10) Google Scholar , 2 Member Needs Assessment/Satisfaction Study Review GroupReport on the American Dietetic Association's member needs assessment/satisfaction study. J Am Diet Assoc. 2000; 100: 112-116 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (11) Google Scholar , 3 Massey L. Ramsay S. Thomsen C. Myers E. Research Activities and Perspectives of the American Dietetic Association Members Participating in Research; Follow-Up to the 2002 Survey. American Dietetic Association, Research Committee, Chicago, IL2006 Google Scholar In 2011, the Academy (then the American Dietetic Association) conducted another survey of members with a doctorate and members of the RDPG with a post-baccalaureate degree (ie, master's degree or doctorate). The main objective of the 2011 Researcher Survey was to better understand member participation in research, defined as preparing applications/proposals, designing and conducting studies, preparing manuscripts for publication, and presenting at professional meetings, as well as supervising any of these activities. The survey also included questions about funding and the degree to which the RDs' research interests correlated to Academy research priorities. The primary aim of this article is to summarize findings from the 2011 survey and discuss implications related to research among RDs. I. M. Anchondo is a pediatric nutritionist and an assistant professor, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso. C. Campbell is an associate professor of nutrition, Sandy S. and Roy W. Uelner Professor of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, and The Blossom Project principal investigator, Ames, IA. J. Zoellner is an associate professor, Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg.