Private Practice Dietetics Workforce Development: What 45 Thought Leaders Agree On

The growth of private practice dietetics has been driven by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This expansion highlights the importance of appropriate training, preparation and support for new graduates entering private practice, yet existing literature identifies deficiencies across these areas. The aim of this study was to develop consensus amongst a panel of Australian Private Practice Workforce Development Thought Leaders on private practice dietetics workforce development aspects, including the challenges, function, training and preparation needs, support, and solutions.

Previously published literature informed a modified Delphi questionnaire conducted amongst private practice workforce development Thought Leaders, who had extensive private practice experience or substantial standing in the profession with regard to private practice, to seek agreement on private practice dietetics workforce development aspects. Content validity assessment was used to determine their rating. Items scoring excellent (index > 0.78) were added to the framework for the development of evidence-based recommendations.

Forty-six Thought Leaders consented and completed round one, 45 completed two-rounds of the modified-Delphi questionnaires and represented all states of Australia. After two rounds of iterative review, 116 items around workforce development aspects achieved excellent scale-content validity. These included the key function and entry-level competencies required for success in private practice dietetics, challenges and strategies to support training of current and future private practitioners. Key findings highlight that accrediting training programs should include more private practice placements and business training for dietetics students. Structured post-graduation support is essential for new graduates entering private practice.

This study provides expert agreement on workforce development aspects of private practice dietetics. A united approach to workforce development is needed, involving regulatory bodies, universities and private practitioners for capacity building. This work provides an evidence-based framework to inform recommendations to support the training and preparation, policy development and strategic workforce capacity building planning for this crucial workforce.