Research Involvement Among Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Graduates of Rutgers’ School of Health Professions Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences

Abstract

ObjectivesThe Rutgers School of Health Professions (SHP), Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences (DCPNS) offers three graduate programs with a strong focus on practice-based research competencies. This study assessed research involvement (RI) among registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) graduates of Rutgers’ SHP DCPNS Entry-Level Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition, Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition, and Doctor of Clinical Nutrition programs, and evaluated if there was a relationship between RI scores and years of employment as an RDN. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study using the validated practice-based dietitian research involvement survey (PBDRIS) tool and included questions about sociodemographic and professional characteristics. PBDRIS total possible score ranged from 16 to 80 and a higher total score indicated a higher RI of the participant. Data were collected via an online survey and the sample included 94 alumni from the past 25 years (usable response rate of 32.5%). Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation tests were conducted. ResultsOf the 94 study participants, 90.9% (n = 80) were female, 89.8% (n = 79), white or Caucasian, and the median age was 44.5 years. The majority of participants reported working in clinical practice (n = 69, 73.4%) and their median years of employment as an RDN was 22.0 years. The median PBDRIS total score was 54.0 (out of 80.0). Level 1, consisting of applying evidence-based practice (EBP), was the highest median sub-score (19.0 out of 20.0). The lowest median sub-score was level 4 (11.0 out of 20.0), involving activities about leadership in research. The most and least frequently reported activities were “applying EBP” (n = 78, 83.0%), and “applying for grant funding” (n = 59, 62.8%), respectively. There was a statistically significant medium, positive correlation between years of employment as an RDN and PBDRIS total scores (r = 0.396, n = 85, p < 0.001). ConclusionsRDN alumni from the Rutgers SHP DCPNS had RI scores which likely reflect the unique research-based focus of the program curricula. With more years of experience as an RDN, RI scores increased. Funding SourcesRutgers School of Health Professions, Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences.