An Exploration of Registered Dietitian Accreditation System Development in China

Background: To review the highlights of the registered dietitian accreditation system in China, including history, organization, regulatory policies, certification requirements, development, and performance on the certification examination, registration, and continuing education, the process for the accreditation system development was focused. The data from the certification examinations and registrations were collected and analyzed. The eligibility requirements, as well as practice pathways, were discussed. Lessons learned from the development of the registered dietitian accreditation system, opportunities, challenges, and future directions for the field were discussed. There remain needs for well-established degree programs and a professional organization’s maintenance with endeavouring in job opportunities, as well as legislative concerns.

Evaluating Mobile Apps For Dietary and Food Timing Assessment For Use in Research and Clinical Assessment (Preprint)

UNSTRUCTURED Abstract: Over the last decade, health apps have become an increasingly popular tool utilized by clinicians and researchers to track food consumption and exercise. However, as consumer apps have primarily focused on tracking dietary intake and exercise, many lack technological features to facilitate the capture of critical food timing details. To determine a viable app that recorded both dietary intake and food timing for use in our clinical study, we evaluated the timestamp data, usability, privacy policies, accuracy of nutrient estimates, and general features of 11 mobile apps for dietary assessment. Apps were selected using a keyword search of related terms and the following apps were reviewed: Bitesnap, Cronometer, DiaryNutrition, DietDiary, FoodDiary, FoodView, Macros, MealLogger, myCircadianClock, MyFitnessPal, and MyPlate. Our primary goal was identifying apps that record food timestamps, which 8 of the reviewed apps did (73%). Of those, only 4/11 (36%) allowed users to edit the timestamps, an important feature. Next, we sought to evaluate the usability of the apps, using the System Usability Scale (SUS) across 2 days, with 82% of the apps receiving favorable scores for usability (9/11 apps). To enable use in research and clinic settings, the privacy policies of each app were systematically reviewed using common criteria with 1 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant app (Cronometer). Furthermore, protected health information is collected by 9/11 (81%) of the apps. Lastly, to assess the accuracy of nutrient estimates generated by these apps, we selected 4 sample food items and one researcher’s 3-day dietary record to input into each app. The caloric and macronutrient estimates of the apps were compared to nutrient estimates provided by a registered dietitian using the Nutrition Data System for Research (NDSR). Compared to the 3-day food record, the apps were found to consistently underestimate calories and macronutrients compared to NDSR. Overall, we find the Bitesnap app to provide flexible dietary and food timing functionality capable for research or clinical use with the majority of apps lacking in necessary food timing functionality or user privacy.

SWOT Analysis of a Didactic Program in Dietetics: Results from Focus Group Research

This study utilized focus group research to understand the experiences of students in a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) at a large, public university. Students participating in the focus group reflected on and discussed the strengths, weakness, opportunities, and threats of the program. The participants stated that faculty support, hands-on learning, and opportunities to participate in clubs were strengths of the program. Students would like more opportunity to do research with faculty. They also indicated that there are program weaknesses such as access to common space, limits in course availability, roadblocks in curriculum, and limited access to necessary tools. Program opportunities, such as the upcoming accreditation visit, will express the student’s concerns and therefore focus administration’s attention on much needed financial support for the program. Although not a specific threat, changes in the credentialing for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists were also discussed by the students. Data were collected in preparation for an accreditation visit. However, the results can be used to advise department and university administrators about what items make students successful in their programs.

High Turnover in Clinical Dietetics: A Descriptive Analysis

Purpose: To identify key attributes of Canadian clinical registered dietitian (RD) jobs associated with high rates of turnover. Methods: Managers of clinical RDs in Canada were eligible to complete a survey on the topic of turnover in clinical RD positions. Specifically, key details were sought regarding positions with the highest and lowest turnover in each manager’s portfolio. Results: High turnover (HT) positions turned over an average of 4.0 times in a 5-year period in contrast to 0.3 times in low turnover (LT) positions. Resignation was the top reason for turnover in both HT and LT positions. HT and LT positions were of analogous full-time equivalent, had comparable caseloads, and served clients/patients with similar diagnoses including diabetes and neurological conditions. Conclusions: There is significant variation in the frequency of turnover across positions in clinical dietetics in Canada. What differentiates HT positions from LT positions remains unclear. More research is required to guide managers seeking to balance turnover and preclude uneven nutrition care quality across units and programs.