Communication skills in dietetic practice: a scoping review protocol

Area of Science:

• Dietetics
• Health Professions Education
• Communication Studies

Background:

• Communication skills are integral to dietetic practice.
• Evolving dietetic practice necessitates updated understanding of communication skills.
• Current literature on communication skills in dietetics requires comprehensive exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine and map evidence on communication skills in dietetic practice.
• To identify education strategies for developing these skills in dietitians and students.
• To explore the usage, perceptions, experiences, teaching, and assessment of communication skills.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review of empirical research on dietitians' communication skills.
• Inclusion of studies on dietitian-patient interactions, various contexts, and communication forms (verbal, written, technological).
• Consideration of perspectives from student dietitians, dietitians, and patients; diverse study designs will be included.

Main Results:

• The review will synthesize findings on the application and perception of communication skills in dietetics.
• Evidence on the teaching and assessment methods for communication skills in dietetics education will be presented.
• A comprehensive overview of the current evidence base will be provided.

Conclusions:

• Effective communication is crucial for contemporary dietetic practice.
• Understanding current educational strategies is key to enhancing dietitian communication skills.
• This review will inform future research and practice in dietetic communication education.