The role of dietetics accreditation standards in supporting practice-ready graduates - a policy analysis.

Abstract

Despite clear evidence that accreditation has the potential to shape the future of graduate outcomes and health professions, little research has examined accreditation policy within dietetics and whether it achieves its aims. This study aimed to interpret the purpose and positioning of dietetic accreditation standards internationally. This study drew on Yanow's interpretive policy analysis approach. Countries with similar dietetics education and accreditation systems were selected for inclusion in this study, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. A purposive sample of participants involved in the accreditation process were identified and invited to participate in semistructured interviews. Accreditation standards from all countries were collected. Coding of text for purpose and meaning was undertaken. Codes were then grouped into categories and then themes, in line with the interpretive policy analysis approach that aims to seek meaning from the policy and identify conflicts. A total of 8 interviews and 11 accreditation standard documents were analysed from across the five countries. The analysis of data showed that the purpose of accreditation was protecting public safety by producing safe and effective dietetic graduates and supporting universities to achieve this. Focusing on input- versus outcome-based education was a key conflict. There is a unified purpose of accreditation internationally which may support global mobility of the dietetics workforce. Focusing more on outcome-based standards may support the development of dietetics graduates better equipped to meet future needs.