Building a Vision of Dietitian Services In Primary Health Care

Abstract

Purpose: Primary health care (PHC) reform, especially efforts to implement interdisciplinary teams, has implications for dietetic practice. A consistent, clear vision of the registered dietitian’s (RD’s) role in PHC is needed to develop a successful advocacy agenda. Methods: The Dietitians of Canada (DC) Central and Southern Ontario Primary Health Care Action Group organized a four-step process to engage dietitians in developing an advocacy agenda for RD PHC services in Ontario. Two facilitated workshops brought together dietitian opinion leaders to enhance the understanding of current roles, find common ground, and develop a shared vision. All DC members were invited to review the draft vision, and feedback was integrated into a revised vision. Results: Registered dietitians saw PHC reform through many lenses, and were uncertain about how reforms would affect their practices. In a national review, the majority of reviewers (approximately 85% of 270) supported the draft vision; additional clarity was needed on resources and the breadth of services that RDs would provide. Conclusion: Development of a PHC vision for RDs should be helpful in advocating for dietitian services in PHC.