Self-perceived Competence of Clinical Dietitians to Participate in Research: A Needs Assessment

The recent focus on clinical outcomes has prompted the need for investigation into the effectiveness of all clinical activities and dietitians are being challenged to justify the services they provide. Participation in research is critical to the evaluation process, and thereby to the continued existence and development of dietetic practice. Although practitioners are in the best position to ask relevant research questions, research has seldom been integrated into the clinical dietitian's role. Our experience was that workplace efforts to remove barriers to participation in research did not increase clinical dietitians' participation in research. The purpose of this study was to assess clinical dietitians' self-perceived competence to participate in research, with a view to identifying strategies that would ultimately increase research participation. A survey instrument was developed and administered to clinical dietitians working in hospitals in Greater Vancouver and Victoria. Respondents had a favourable attitude toward research, yet actual participation in research was low. Respondents believed research to be important to the profession and they were interested in participating. Barriers to participation included those that are internal to oneself, such as lack of self-confidence, and environmental barriers, including lack of access to computers, statistical support and staff relief. Results indicated that programs to increase participation should provide knowledge and skills training, as well as aim to enhance self-confidence, networking and mentoring.