The present study identified that consistency in taking insulin and confidence in self-management was associated with better glycaemic control. An association was also found between recent dietary review and better carbohydrate knowledge, although this did not translate into better glycaemic control. Future investigation into the application of carbohydrate knowledge is required.

AimsCommunication is the main method used by dietitians to conduct their practice. Yet, few evidence‐based tools are available to assess dietitians' communication skills to guide skill development. Further, workplace peer review programs for assessment of communication skills are not standard practice. DIET‐COMMS is a validated tool to assess dietitians' communication skills in patient consultations. The aims of this study were to implement a workplace peer review program using the DIET‐COMMS tool, assess dietitians' communication skills, evaluate inter‐rater reliability and dietitian satisfaction.MethodsSingle site study within Australian hospital dietetics department. Training for DIET‐COMMS usage was undertaken with assessors (senior dietitians) and dietitians being assessed using an online training package and face‐to‐face group sessions. The peer review process consisted of two rounds, occurring four to six months apart. The first round was undertaken with two assessors to evaluate inter‐rater reliability. An online survey was conducted to evaluate dietitian satisfaction.ResultsSeventeen dietitians completed the program. In the first round, 13 of 17 dietitians scored 76% to 100% on the DIET‐COMMS tool (median = 85%, interquartile range [IQR] = 77‐93). All dietitians scored 76‐100% (median = 98%, IQR = 94‐100) in the second round, with significantly higher scores compared to the first (98% vs 85%; P‐value <.001). The intra‐class correlation coefficient was 0.86 (95% confidence interval = 0.64‐0.95), indicating good‐excellent inter‐rater reliability. All dietitians reported the tool measured the nutrition care process adequately and was applicable to practice.ConclusionsThe peer review program using DIET‐COMMS was successfully implemented within a workplace environment. Widespread implementation of peer review programs using DIET‐COMMS is recommended as a standard practice for the profession.

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Introduction: There is a global agenda towards shared culture and practices between clinicians and a shift to integrated and more community-based healthcare. A crucial context in this agenda is clinicians' practice with referral of vulnerable populations to community programs, as referral practices address necessary dimensions of integrated care (e.g. professional and normative integration). This study investigates clinicians' referral practices for people attending diabetes outpatient clinics from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds to identify possible challenges with making referrals to CALD specific programs. Limitations: This study was limited to the context of an outpatient service for people with type 2 diabetes. Suggestions for future research: Future research may investigate whether similar challenges in referral mechanisms occur in the case of other chronic conditions.

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