Difference in perceived knowledge, confidence and attitudes between dietitians and other health professionals in the provision of weight management advice

Abstract

Aim:The aim of this analysis is to establish if dietitians have the knowledge, skills and attitude to provide support to other health professional (HP) groups in the provision of weight management advice to overweight/obese patients. Methods: A secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional survey of HPs was undertaken to perform a gap analysis with regard to practices, knowledge, confidence and attitudes in the provision of weight management advice. Survey responses and additional measures (practice, knowledge, confidence and attitude scores) were compared between dietitians and other HPs. Descriptive statistics were undertaken, and differences between group χ 2 tests were performed for nominal data and the Wilcoxon rank sum test for ordinal and non-parametric data. Results: About 100% of dietitians had received initial weight management training and 85% had participated in professional development training, compared with 18 and 19% of HPs, respectively, although 70% believed it was within their scope of practice to provide evidence-based advice. Dietitian respondents achieved a higher median score (maximum 10) in the following areas (practice = 6.5, knowledge = 8.0, confidence = 8.3) when compared with HP respondents (practice = 4.2, knowledge = 7.0, confidence = 5.4). The median attitude score for both groups was 6.0. Conclusions: HPs are receptive to providing evidence-based weight loss messages to overweight/obese clients in their current practice. However, weight management training is required to enhance HPs' knowledge and skills in order to increase confidence and improve practice skills. Dietitians can assist HPs to ensure that clear, consistent, evidence-based messages are delivered to overweight clients throughout the health-care system.

Pilot study for the understanding and use of probiotics by different paediatric healthcare professionals working in different European countries

“…The results of this study emphasize the importance of HCPs to be properly educated [28] and updated on probiotics, as patients and families would like their HCPs to be informed and knowledgeable about using probiotics as a treatment option and need to feel comfortable in talking about the use of probiotics as part of complementary treatments [29]. The results of this survey also suggest that, in general, increased knowledge about probiotics leads HCPs to have increased confidence regarding these products [30]. Professionals who rated their knowledge as high were also more likely to recommend a probiotic.…”

Approaching the wicked problem of obesity: an introduction to the food system compass

“…Further, Cullerton et al (2016) argue that those interested in solving the obesity problem need to increase their level of engagement with the health policy process and consider building alliances with senior policymakers or politicians as well as with those outside of nutrition (Cullerton et al , 2016). Dietitians and GPs are the main providers of weight loss interventions (MacDonald‐Wicks et al , 2015). Thus, treatment of overweight and obesity must examine outcomes not just compliance with evidence-based guidelines (Dean, 2009).…”

The prevalence and practice impact of weight bias amongst Australian dietitians

“…Dietitians perceive that they are the most equipped primary healthcare professionals to help individuals manage their weight . However, they are not immune to weight bias, with one study showing that dietitians believed people with obesity were personally responsible for their excess weight and that people with obesity had lower self‐esteem, lower attractiveness and lower levels of health .…”