Eating Disorders Prevention and Management Among Australian and New Zealand Dietetic Professionals: A Repeat...

Eating disorders are associated with high morbidity and mortality, requiring timely treatment by a competent workforce. Dietitians are important members of the eating disorders health care team. This study aimed to explore the perceived and changing eating disorders education and training needs of practising dietitians in Australia and New Zealand across two time points.

A cross-sectional survey was administered to Australian and New Zealand dietitian members of professional associations in 2009 and 2022. The 2022 survey was administered online via Microsoft Forms and contained 51 items, including Likert scale, tick-box and open-ended responses. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of perceived knowledge, skill, comfort, confidence and educational need. Qualitative data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

286 dietitians completed the 2009 survey and 147 the 2022 survey. In 2022 98% were female and 74% aged 20-40 years. Compared with 2009, dietitians in 2022 undertook more eating disorders education and training, reported greater knowledge and skill, and were more likely to express a need for education and training. Across both surveys, prior training, clinical experience and workplace setting predicted knowledge, skill, comfort or confidence. Prevention, detection, referral and a broad range of treatment aspects were identified as important educational areas.

Improvements over time in access to eating disorders training and perceived knowledge and skill were evident. Key educational areas of prevention, detection, referral and treatment require action as a priority to ensure dietitians are well equipped to practice in eating disorders.