Exploring Dietitians' Needs and Challenges in Food Data Literacy Training: A Mixed Methods Study

Dietitians are a priority healthcare community for digital and data literacy training, as they are potential users of diverse data sources in multiple applications. Our aim was to assess the knowledge, practices, and challenges regarding food data and digital tools among dietitians and to co-create a tailor-made educational curriculum.

A series of focus group discussions with dietitians (n = 10), food data and digital health specialists (n = 5 for each) were conducted, alongside an online survey among a larger dietetic audience (n = 58) from 17 European countries. Thematic analysis for focus group data and descriptive statistics for the quantitative survey was carried out to map the dietitians' knowledge and training needs regarding food data.

Thematic analysis resulted in seven key themes: definitions of food data, norms & drivers in food data use, uses of food data, data knowledge and skills, barriers, data sources and tools, training methods. Quantitative analysis showed that most dietitians are aware of food composition data, though 67.2% lack confidence in identifying different data types. While 69.5% reported awareness of available sources, only 50.8% believed they had access. While 67.2% of dietitians reported using digital tools at least monthly, 37.3% reported using them rarely or never. Almost 80% recognize the need for tailored educational resources. Based on those results, four training modules were developed: Fundamentals of Food Composition Databases. Applied Food Data in Dietetic Practice, Food Labelling and Regulatory Information, Digital Tools in dietetic practice.

Despite frequent use and basic knowledge of food data, most dietitians see the need for further training in food data literacy and digital tool integration in dietetic practice.