Effective health workforce preparation is critical to the health of those who stand to benefit from its services. Emerging dietitians can provide important insights on an evolving workforce that is well-placed to advance future global health. This study aimed to explore a national sample of dietetics graduates' experiences of, and challenges faced in, dietetics workforce preparation and preparedness in Australia. An interpretive description methodology guided this study whereby researchers interpreted the meanings that participants attributed to their experiences. Twenty dietitians (graduated within the last 2 years) were purposively sampled from across Australia and detailed insights were obtained through semi-structured interviews. A multi-analyst approach employing thematic and template analysis, enabled five themes to be identified across the data set. These included: (1) being held back; (2) chasing the prize; (3) valuing real learning; (4) easing the transition; and (5) encountering influencers. While graduates appreciated their preparation, they were not empowered or equipped to embrace opportunities in diverse and emerging areas of dietetics practice. Graduates were challenged by the competitive landscape of securing obvious job opportunities and by a lack of support in transitioning into the workforce. Practice exposures and encounters with influential dietitians were highly valued. Research on roleemerging dietetics placements along with enhanced support mechanisms for novice dietitians is urgently required to ensure appropriate alignment between future dietetics preparation and practice. Obtaining insights into health professional graduates' experiences of their education can be used to ensure that emerging health workforces are relevant and responsive to future market needs.

No abstract

a b s t r a c tIt is widely accepted that health professionals might sometimes underestimate cancer patients' needs for information on the complex process of radiotherapy (RT) planning and delivery. Furthermore, relatives might also feel excluded from the treatment of their loved ones. This pilot study was carried out in order to assess whether both patients and their relatives would welcome further information on RT planning and delivery using the virtual reality (VR) system VERT. One hundred and fifty patients with different types of cancer receiving radical RT were included in the study. Patients and relatives were shown using VERT on a one-to-one basis with an oncologist or a radiographer, a standard room where RT is given, a linear accelerator, and how RT is planned and delivered using their own planning CT Scans. Patients welcomed this information as it helped them to reduce their fears about RT. Relatives felt also more involved in the treatment of their loved one. The results obtained in this pilot study show that VR aids could become an important tool for delivering information on RT to both patients and relatives.© 2015 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. IntroductionThere is clear evidence suggesting there is often a gap between the information provided to patients regarding their disease and management, and the amount of information patients wish to receive.1 Furthermore, it is not uncommon for clinicians to underestimate cancer patients' needs for information, 2 especially when the vast majority of cancer patients want to be thoroughly informed about their illness. 3 Despite this, there are still problems with respect to the provision of information which could satisfy most patients. 4 The importance of the provision of information to patients has been stressed by the Department of Health 5 stating that is a key requirement in current cancer services standards in the UK. However, it cannot be assumed that all patients want substantial information regarding their treatment as some might prefer to fully trust their doctor rather than being involved in taking any decisions that could affect their management. While several studies have addressed these issues, 6,7 further work is still required to improve the understanding of patients' needs. Furthermore, relatives might feel sometimes disengaged in the management of their loved ones and might consider themselves being excluded from several areas within the management process. The negative psychological impact upon partners and other relatives of cancer patients is well documented, 8 and such negative effect is (amongst many other factors) widely associated with lack of medical information given to them. It has long been argued that providing tailored information to relatives as well as patients in general cancer care is a positive aspect of the treatment process 9 and there is little doubt that such inclusionary practice should be encouraged in cancer care.A clear example where provision of information to patien...

Dietetics educators are motivated to shape and enhance the future profession. However, they face numerous challenges in their efforts to prepare graduates who are well-equipped for increasingly diverse dietetics practice. Strong leadership, academic collaboration and greater engagement of the broader workforce are required for the benefit of the entire profession.

A note on versions:The version presented here may differ from the published version or from the version of record. If you wish to cite this item you are advised to consult the publisher's version. Please see the repository url above for details on accessing the published version and note that access may require a subscription. AbstractBackground Mood and anxiety disorders, and problems with self harm are significant