Exploring perceived training and professional development needs of Australian dietetic students and practising dietitians in the area of eating disorders: a focus group study

Abstract Background Timely diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders (EDs) are essential for achieving the best possible outcomes, and dietitians have an important role in the multidisciplinary team. ED-specific training has been shown to enhance the knowledge, mental health literacy and confidenc...

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Main Authors: Elizabeth Kumiko Parker, Mellisa Anne Ashley, Courtney Moretti, Deanne Maree Harris, Anita Stefoska-Needham
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2022-03-01
Series:Journal of Eating Disorders
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00567-0
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author Elizabeth Kumiko Parker
Mellisa Anne Ashley
Courtney Moretti
Deanne Maree Harris
Anita Stefoska-Needham
author_facet Elizabeth Kumiko Parker
Mellisa Anne Ashley
Courtney Moretti
Deanne Maree Harris
Anita Stefoska-Needham
author_sort Elizabeth Kumiko Parker
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Timely diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders (EDs) are essential for achieving the best possible outcomes, and dietitians have an important role in the multidisciplinary team. ED-specific training has been shown to enhance the knowledge, mental health literacy and confidence of health professionals in providing patient treatment. However, the ED-specific training needs of dietitians have yet to be determined. This study aimed to explore the perceived readiness of dietitians and student dietitians to treat patients with EDs; to identify the key training components that would enhance their confidence in delivering ED-specific treatment; and to examine any barriers associated with engagement in ED-specific professional development. Methods A semi-structured question guide was developed by researchers to elicit information from six virtual focus groups consisting of a purposive sample of practising dietitians and student dietitians enrolled in their final year of an Australian tertiary accredited dietetic program. Members of professional organisations were approached to participate via email; and a recruitment flyer was promoted on various social media platforms. Discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed qualitatively using inductive thematic analysis. Results Thirty-eight participants (26 dietitians, 12 student dietitians) were recruited, mean age of 32.5 years ± 11 SD. Three major themes emerged: (1) reluctance to practice in EDs, which was associated with limited ED-specific training at university, lack of clinical guidelines, mental health complexities of patients with an ED, ambiguity regarding the dietitian’s role, systemic complexities with ED care, and beliefs of health professionals; (2) the need for additional ED-specific training and clinical supervision both during and after university, with the focus on identification, assessment, management and treatment, mental health literacy, and counselling skills, identified as an essential component to improving professional confidence and competence; (3) limited awareness and access/supply of ED-specific training opportunities were found, which included the financial cost of training/clinical supervision, and limited access to suitable clinical supervision. Conclusion Dietitians currently practising in the workplace and dietetic students perceive that enhanced ED-specific training during university and after graduation is essential to work with patients confidently and competently with EDs. This research has implications for Australian university dietetic programs and workforce development. Plain English Summary This study aimed to explore the perceptions and readiness of dietitians and student dietitians to treat patients with eating disorders (EDs); to identify the key training components that would enhance their confidence and competence in delivering treatment; and to examine any barriers associated with engaging in ED-specific professional development. Twenty-six dietitians and twelve dietetic students participated in six virtual focus group discussions, which identified three main themes: (1) reluctance to practice which was associated with limited ED-specific training at university, lack of clinical guidelines, mental health complexities of patients with an ED, ambiguity regarding the dietitian’s role, systemic complexities with ED care, and beliefs of health professionals; (2) the importance of engaging in ED-specific training, beyond an introductory level, during university and after graduation to confidently and competently work with patients with EDs; (3) barriers to accessing further ED-specific training and clinical supervision were found, including poor awareness of training opportunities, high financial cost of training/clinical supervision, and limited access to obtaining suitable clinical supervision. Results from this study provide insight into the ED-specific training needs of practising and student dietitians. This research has value for university programs and workforce development.
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spelling doaj.art-61680ff99e7f42c8bf9287219b273e4e2023-02-02T00:13:48ZengBMCJournal of Eating Disorders2050-29742022-03-0110111010.1186/s40337-022-00567-0Exploring perceived training and professional development needs of Australian dietetic students and practising dietitians in the area of eating disorders: a focus group studyElizabeth Kumiko Parker0Mellisa Anne Ashley1Courtney Moretti2Deanne Maree Harris3Anita Stefoska-Needham4Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Westmead HospitalDepartment of Dietetics and Nutrition, Westmead HospitalSMART Foods Centre, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of WollongongDepartment of Nutrition & Dietetics, Tamworth Rural Referral HospitalSMART Foods Centre, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of WollongongAbstract Background Timely diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders (EDs) are essential for achieving the best possible outcomes, and dietitians have an important role in the multidisciplinary team. ED-specific training has been shown to enhance the knowledge, mental health literacy and confidence of health professionals in providing patient treatment. However, the ED-specific training needs of dietitians have yet to be determined. This study aimed to explore the perceived readiness of dietitians and student dietitians to treat patients with EDs; to identify the key training components that would enhance their confidence in delivering ED-specific treatment; and to examine any barriers associated with engagement in ED-specific professional development. Methods A semi-structured question guide was developed by researchers to elicit information from six virtual focus groups consisting of a purposive sample of practising dietitians and student dietitians enrolled in their final year of an Australian tertiary accredited dietetic program. Members of professional organisations were approached to participate via email; and a recruitment flyer was promoted on various social media platforms. Discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed qualitatively using inductive thematic analysis. Results Thirty-eight participants (26 dietitians, 12 student dietitians) were recruited, mean age of 32.5 years ± 11 SD. Three major themes emerged: (1) reluctance to practice in EDs, which was associated with limited ED-specific training at university, lack of clinical guidelines, mental health complexities of patients with an ED, ambiguity regarding the dietitian’s role, systemic complexities with ED care, and beliefs of health professionals; (2) the need for additional ED-specific training and clinical supervision both during and after university, with the focus on identification, assessment, management and treatment, mental health literacy, and counselling skills, identified as an essential component to improving professional confidence and competence; (3) limited awareness and access/supply of ED-specific training opportunities were found, which included the financial cost of training/clinical supervision, and limited access to suitable clinical supervision. Conclusion Dietitians currently practising in the workplace and dietetic students perceive that enhanced ED-specific training during university and after graduation is essential to work with patients confidently and competently with EDs. This research has implications for Australian university dietetic programs and workforce development. Plain English Summary This study aimed to explore the perceptions and readiness of dietitians and student dietitians to treat patients with eating disorders (EDs); to identify the key training components that would enhance their confidence and competence in delivering treatment; and to examine any barriers associated with engaging in ED-specific professional development. Twenty-six dietitians and twelve dietetic students participated in six virtual focus group discussions, which identified three main themes: (1) reluctance to practice which was associated with limited ED-specific training at university, lack of clinical guidelines, mental health complexities of patients with an ED, ambiguity regarding the dietitian’s role, systemic complexities with ED care, and beliefs of health professionals; (2) the importance of engaging in ED-specific training, beyond an introductory level, during university and after graduation to confidently and competently work with patients with EDs; (3) barriers to accessing further ED-specific training and clinical supervision were found, including poor awareness of training opportunities, high financial cost of training/clinical supervision, and limited access to obtaining suitable clinical supervision. Results from this study provide insight into the ED-specific training needs of practising and student dietitians. This research has value for university programs and workforce development.https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00567-0
spellingShingle Elizabeth Kumiko Parker
Mellisa Anne Ashley
Courtney Moretti
Deanne Maree Harris
Anita Stefoska-Needham
Exploring perceived training and professional development needs of Australian dietetic students and practising dietitians in the area of eating disorders: a focus group study
Journal of Eating Disorders
title Exploring perceived training and professional development needs of Australian dietetic students and practising dietitians in the area of eating disorders: a focus group study
title_full Exploring perceived training and professional development needs of Australian dietetic students and practising dietitians in the area of eating disorders: a focus group study
title_fullStr Exploring perceived training and professional development needs of Australian dietetic students and practising dietitians in the area of eating disorders: a focus group study
title_full_unstemmed Exploring perceived training and professional development needs of Australian dietetic students and practising dietitians in the area of eating disorders: a focus group study
title_short Exploring perceived training and professional development needs of Australian dietetic students and practising dietitians in the area of eating disorders: a focus group study
title_sort exploring perceived training and professional development needs of australian dietetic students and practising dietitians in the area of eating disorders a focus group study
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-022-00567-0
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