Development of advanced practice competency standards for dietetics in Australia.

Area of Science:

• Dietetics
• Professional Practice Standards

Background:

• Advanced practice dietitians play a crucial role in healthcare.
• Defining the scope and competencies of advanced practice is essential for professional development and service delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the work roles, major tasks, and core activities of advanced practice dietitians in Australia.
• To define the Competency Standards for advanced practice dietitians.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative approach was employed, utilizing four focus groups with 17 experienced dietitians and employers.
• In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitians.
• Data were analyzed adductively to identify key themes.

Main Results:

• Leadership emerged as the key theme defining advanced dietetics practice.
• Advanced practitioners were identified as outcome-focused, influential, innovative, and inspirational.
• Four subthemes detailed the work roles and outcomes: having impact, influencing and advocating, innovating and embracing change, and inspiring others.

Conclusions:

• Leadership is the primary determinant of advanced practice in dietetics, superseding specialist skills.
• The findings inform revised Competency Standards for advanced practice dietitians.