Role delineation for dietetic practitioners: empirical results

In order to meet its need for a current, integrated picture of the dynamic profession of dietetics, The American Dietetic Association, with assistance from American College Testing, undertook a study focusing on the roles of entry-level dietetic technicians and registered dietitians and beyond-entry-level registered dietitians. A nationwide mail survey was conducted on random samples of 3,559 dietitians who had been registered for up to 3 years, 6,647 dietitians who had been registered for more than 3 years, and all 1,226 graduates (in the previous 3 years) from the 70 ADA-approved programs preparing dietetic technicians that agreed to participate (out of the 77 ADA-approved programs). Response rates of 77.5%, 78.7%, and 68.5% were achieved for the two samples of registered dietitians and the sample of dietetic technicians, respectively. The results show that the most commonly chosen work setting for the three respondent groups was "inpatient-care, acute-care facility." There were substantial differences among the three groups in the types of activities performed and in the level of responsibility for various kinds of activities. The beyond-entry-level registered dietitians were involved in the broadest range of activities and had the most responsibility for policy setting and other administrative activities, such as preparing budgets. The results of the study provide a detailed description of dietetic practice over a broad range of practitioner-experience levels, practice settings, and client groups.