Registered Dietitians' Use of Multiple Skills

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOME: To determine the need for multiple skills as perceived by members of the American Dietetic Association.One thousand registered dietitians were randomly selected from the American Dietetic Association's membership. Two hundred thirty six (23.6%) completed the 12 page survey. Data provided by the participants were evaluated to determine: 1.) the need for multiple skills, 2.) the impotence and ranking of practice area tasks identified by the Future Search Conference as well as additional possible tasks, 3.) the importance of certification for each task, and 4.) the grouping of skills assessed to be important for securing future dietetic jobs. The skill groups examined were research, education, managing material resources, managing financial resources, managing facilities, marketing services and products, managing human resources, providing programs to the population and providing care to individuals. Using descriptive statistics, registered dietitians overwhelmingly (97.6%) perceived the need for multiple skills. For every Future Search Conference practice area, respondents identified additional tasks and skills needed. Within each practice area an average of 87.0% of the respondents felt there was a need for certification(s). The skill groups were analyzed according to what the respondents felt they would not do, what they are currently doing, and what they logically could do. Results of this study indicate that the skills currently used and those that could logically be used (in rank order) were as follows: education (75.%), research (72,4%), managing human resources (70.7%), marketing services and products (68.6%), provide care to individuals (67.6%), and manage financial resources (53.5%).