Clinical Dietetics Changes Due to Cost-Reduction Activities in Healthcare Systems

Abstract

Objective This study was designed to assess changes in clinical dietetics due to cost-reduction activities in healthcare systems. Subjects 1,200 ADA members who indicated that they were employed by acute care hospitals in ADA Area 2 states. Design A questionnaire about changes in clinical dietetics staffing and clinical dietitians’ activities and responsibilities was developed based on qualitative research. Descriptive statistics, t tests, analysis of variance, χ 2 tests, and correlations were calculated. Results A total of 342 usable questionnaires (28.5%) were returned. More than one third (37.9%) of respondents reported reductions in the number of clinical dietitians, and 32.2% reported increases in the number of part-time clinical dietitians. Most respondents indicated that they were more involved with high-risk patient interventions, had limited time for inpatient instruction, and experienced an increased patient caseload. Although 45.4% of respondents reported diminished job satisfaction due to recent changes in healthcare systems, some changes, such as increased high-risk patient intervention and referrals, were positively correlated with perceived job satisfaction. Discussion Thorough review of current clinical dietetics activities/responsibilities and planning before cost-reduction, restructuring activities may maximize staff utilization without decreased job satisfaction of clinical dietetics staff. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001;101:1347-1350.