The business of dietetics: Results from the national Australian private practice dietetics dataset

This study aimed to describe private dietetics practices in Australia in terms of ownership, size, and operation, team composition, and products and services.

Australian dietitians operating private practices were invited to participate in a cross-sectional survey between May and June 2024. The survey captured data regarding the business, including ownership, revenue, business and clinical operation, team composition and remuneration, products and services, and consultation and program characteristics. Data were analyzed descriptively.

One hundred and fifty-four participants completed the survey (22% response rate). Businesses were primarily sole traders (n = 105; 68%) that neither employed nor contracted health professionals (n = 94; 61%) and generated less than AU$149999 in revenue (n = 114; 77%). Most businesses specialised (n = 107; 69%), with common areas of specialisation being eating disorders (n = 49; 32%), disability support (n = 35; 23%), and weight inclusive care (n = 35; 23%). Client consultations (n = 146; 95%) were the most frequently offered service. Initial consultations were most frequently 60 min (n = 83; 59%), attracting a mean fee of AU$173 (±$9 95% CI), while review consultations were most frequently 30 min (n = 80, 57%) and AU$113 (±$7 95% CI). Business and dietitian performance evaluation were typically not performed periodically, yet both were positively correlated with revenue (τ_b = 0.231, p < 0.001 and τ_b = 0.338, p < 0.001, respectively).

Sole practitioners represent a significant proportion of private dietetics practice. With a significant proportion of the workforce working in this area, support is needed to ensure private practices are sustainable and the workforce can continue to provide much-needed services for Australians.