Preparing the Dietetic Workforce of the Future – Developing Innovative Placements in Social Care Settings

Mackenzie, Myra; Newman, Evelyn S.

doi:10.18552/ijpblhsc.v5i1.389

Cited by 5 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…An established body of evidence regarding role-emerging placements, which can promote a profession's expansion into new areas and serve as a precursor to graduate employment (Rodger et al 2007;Dancza et al 2013), exists for occupational therapy (Clarke et al 2014). These placements have been trialled in dietetics (Mackenzie and Newman 2017). However, significantly more research to support educators to implement student placements in emerging dietetics settings is needed.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preparedness for advancing future health: a national qualitative exploration of dietetics graduates’ experiences

Morgan

Campbell

Sargeant

et al. 2019

Adv in Health Sci Educ

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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.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preparedness for advancing future health: a national qualitative exploration of dietetics graduates’ experiences

Morgan

Campbell

Sargeant

et al. 2019

Adv in Health Sci Educ

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“…Traditional placement models involve supervision on a one-to-one basis or peerassisted learning (O'Connor , et al, 2012). Students on placements in a care home community setting with no on-site dietetic presence reflected that benefits were derived from forming more positive and informal relationships with residents and staff, and from time spent in this setting, supporting the governmental approach in a move from the traditional model of clinical care to a more person-centered approach (Mackenzie & Newman, 2017). Similar methods have been used in nursing programs to focus on clinical placements and increasing aging content (King et al, 2013).…”

Section: Knowledgementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Misconceptions surrounding aging must be addressed as these are the basis for future professional practice. Developing placements in social care settings with a greater focus on older adults is believed to better prepare the dietetic workforce of the future and to foster improved attitudes (Mackenzie & Newman, 2017).…”

Section: Knowledgementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Non-communicable diseases are on the rise worldwide (World Health Organisation (WHO), 2011), including stroke, cancer and heart disease (Age UK, 2018), but malnutrition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and dementia are also prevalent in older people and often require dietetic input (Roqué et al, 2013). Future healthcare professionals, including dietitians, will therefore need to be knowledgeable regarding best practice in caring for the needs of an aging population (Mackenzie & Newman, 2017;Saka et al, 2010).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Dietetic Students’ Attitudes to and Knowledge of Working with Older People

Mackenzie

Mcaulay

2020

IJPBLHSC

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Across the world, people are living longer but not necessarily healthier lives. Healthcare professionals will need to be prepared to work with older people, recognising that, at all stages of the lifespan, attention to nutrition and other health behaviours can impact positively on wellbeing. This study examined the attitudes, knowledge and future career preferences of pre-registration dietetic students in the United Kingdom towards working with older people. A questionnaire, based on the validated Palmore Facts on Aging Quiz and adapted to a UK population, was sent to the fifteen universities which provide dietetic courses in the UK approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Responses were received from thirteen universities, and, of the estimated 1250 students, 285 questionnaires were completed (response rate 23%) with the predominant demographic being 91% female, and 86% undergraduate degree type. The mean knowledge score was higher in postgraduate vs. undergraduate students (69.6% vs. 65.2%; p <0.011). A weak positive correlation (r s = 0.155) was found between number of placement weeks carried out and knowledge score (p <0.01). Care of the elderly was the least preferred of five specialities, and 65-plus was the fourth preferred age group out of five. A greater focus should be placed on the delivery of aging education and placement experiences in dietetic courses to increase the number of graduate dietetic students who have positive work preferences towards older adults.

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“…clinical dietetics, public health nutrition and food systems management) . Although a body of evidence exists to support the benefits of placements in emerging and underserved areas for other health professions , their implementation in dietetics is limited .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Preparing our future workforce: a qualitative exploration of dietetics practice educators’ experiences

Morgan

Campbell

Sargeant

et al. 2019

J Human Nutrition Diet

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Background: Dietetics practice educators are instrumental in the development of future dietitians. The present study aimed to explore dietetics practice educators' experiences of, and challenges faced in, dietetics workforce preparation. Methods: This study was guided by interpretive description methodology. Purposive and maximum variation sampling were used to recruit 18 dietetics practice educators from a variety of practice areas and locations across Australia. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were digitally recorded then transcribed verbatim and inductive coding of data was managed with NVIVO (QSR International Pty Ltd, Doncaster, VIC, Australia). Multiple researchers analysed the data to develop preliminary themes using template analysis before final themes were identified. Results: Three main themes were developed: nurturing others; seeing the flaws; and soldiering on. Practice educators take great satisfaction in witnessing students develop and are focused on cultivating future practitioners with authentic learning activities. However, they are impacted by perceived shortcomings of the systems in which they operate and consider that broadening the scope of dietetics placements to better align with contemporary practice could benefit graduates and the profession. Despite these challenges, practice educators are pragmatic in getting on with their roles and recognise the advantages gained from student placements. Conclusions: Despite facing numerous challenges, practice educators derive benefits from their role in workforce preparation. Evidence is required on how students can demonstrate competence in contemporary areas of practice and on how to enable the scope of student placements to be broadened. Such strategies could support practice educators to overcome challenges and help ensure the dietetics profession of tomorrow is relevant and responsive. 247

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Preparing the Dietetic Workforce of the Future – Developing Innovative Placements in Social Care Settings

Cited by 5 publications

References 11 publications

Preparedness for advancing future health: a national qualitative exploration of dietetics graduates’ experiences

Preparedness for advancing future health: a national qualitative exploration of dietetics graduates’ experiences

Dietetic Students’ Attitudes to and Knowledge of Working with Older People

Preparing our future workforce: a qualitative exploration of dietetics practice educators’ experiences

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