Development of advanced practice competency standards for dietetics in Australia

Abstract

This study confirmed that leadership rather than specialist practice skills is the key determinant of advanced practice.

Hidden Jedi: A critical qualitative exploration of the Fellow credential and advanced expertise

“…A review of the FDAA Competency Standards was commissioned by the DAA providing an opportunity to explore the meaning of the credential and reasons for limited uptake. This review was preceded by a review of the National Competency Standards and Advanced Accredited Practicing Dietitians (Advanced APD) Competency Standards . These three sets of competency standards aim to describe the career progression of dietitians upon entry to the workforce from beginner (competent) progressing through to expert.…”

“…Internationally in dietetics, achievement of the Fellow credential typically involves demonstration of achievement of a range of selection criteria using a portfolio form of assessment (see also Table S1). Despite these differences, expertise is generally considered to involve leadership, together with specialisation in an area of practice . The Fellow title may have different connotations to advanced or expert practitioner credentials, the latter assuming advancement of skill and expertise, while a Fellow may include honorary recognition related to volunteerism among other attributes.…”

Leadership and practice in times of complexity and uncertainty

“…Professional leadership is a recognised key competency for dietitians 1 . It is the distinguishing feature of Dietitians Australia's Advanced and Fellow credentials 10,11 . Distinct from management, our profession has defined leaders as those “ who continue to grow personally and professionally while encouraging and mentoring emerging leaders…[and] who bring people together .” 10 This is synonymous with a widely recognised definition of leadership as the process by which an individual takes responsibility for discovering the “ potential in people or processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential .” 12 This year, in my own work area of dietetics education I saw first‐hand, the leadership of many of my colleagues as they transformed to online teaching and indeed different models of practical placement 13 .…”

Creating the dietitians of the future

“…Our new Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian Competency Standards describe the outcomes required of advanced practice, recognising that practice is developmental over time . The recent revision to these standards considered the link between early and advanced practice (Figure ) . This provides the framework; however, it is essential to also consider the current workforce and workforce development required to meet societal needs.…”

“…This provides the framework; however, it is essential to also consider the current workforce and workforce development required to meet societal needs. The Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian Competency Standards highlight the importance of leadership to work at an advanced level and truly make an impact on health . The research that informed their development highlighted that advanced practice is more than specialist practice.…”