Identification of knowledge and skills required by beginning level dietitians to provide metabolic nutrition care

Abstract

This study obtained the opinions of a panel of experts (n=23) specializing in metabolic nutrition care concerning the identification of specific areas of knowledge and skill that would be required for beginning level dietitians to function independently and competently in this area of practice. For the purpose of this study a beginning level dietitian has been defined as a registered or registry eligible dietitian who is working in their first job as a generalist clinical dietitian, having metabolic nutrition care responsibilities as part of their patient care responsibilities. The Delphi survey methodology, using mailed questionnaires, was used to determine consensus of opinion of the panel experts. Consensus of opinion, defined as agreement by 60% or more of the respondents, was reached after two rounds of the Delphi survey. The questionnaire used in this study was based on the ADA's Role Delineation study for metabolic nutrition care and the University of California Los Angeles Standards of Care for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Care. The average response for both rounds of the survey was 95.5%. This included a 100% response for round one and 91.1% response for round two. The results of this study indicate consensus had been reached for 83120 majority of the specific areas of knowledge and 71120 majority of the specific areas of skill. Areas of knowledge and skill were identified as necessary for beginning level dietitians to provide metabolic nutrition care. These areas of knowledge and skill could be used as guidelines in the development of undergraduate curriculum. Results of this study suggest that although beginning level dietitians require specific areas of knowledge and skill in order to function in metabolic nutrition care, data however, also indicates that post baccalaureate training would be required in order to develop the level of skill and to attain proficiency for independent practice.