Is there enough behaviour change science in nutrition and dietetics curricula in Australia and New Zealand? A descriptive study

Abstract

The application of behaviour change science is fundamental to the role of dietitians. This study aimed to describe how behaviour change science is embedded within the curricula of accredited/registered dietetics programs in Australia and New Zealand.Methods: A descriptive study triangulated quantitative document analysis of curricula content from university websites (Part 1) with qualitative, structured interviews with dietetics academics (Part 2). Part 2 verified and advanced upon information captured in Part 1 and was analysed using thematic content analysis.Results: Twenty-five courses from 18 university programs (15 Australia and 3 New Zealand) were synthesised. Fifteen interviews (12 Australia, 3 New Zealand) were conducted. Behaviour change science was taught and assessed at varying levels across all programs. It was taught primarily within lectures or workshops where students apply skills learnt in practical case-based activities, and assessed through small group education planning or demonstrating communication and counselling skills. Five themes were identified from the interviews: (1) behaviour change science should be foundational;(2) integrate and scaffold within curricula; (3) structural limitations within curricula; (4) challenging for students and (5) recommendations for competencies. Conclusion:Behaviour change science is clearly of value to the dietetics profession. Core content appears to be embedded across all university programs; however, the level and depth of the content varied. The knowledge gained from this study provides direction for curricular improvements.

Teaching and assessment of communication skills in dietetics: a scoping review

“…8 A further study describing how behaviour change is embedded in pre-registration dietetic programmes in Australia and New Zealand reported that communication skills were a component of all programmes but the content varied. 9 Similar findings were reported in an analysis of how the clientdietitian relationship is embedded in dietetic programmes. 10 In addition, dietitians have expressed some dissatisfaction with their training in communication skills [11][12][13] underlining the need for more consistent educational approaches.…”

“…Communication skills teaching was found to be consistently included in dietetic education programmes in two Australian analyses of curriculum documentation and dietetic educator perspectives. 9,10 How this was delivered and embedded in the wider context of behaviour change science and building effective dietitian-patient therapeutic relationships was highly variable. 9,10 The teaching that dietitians received in communication skills as part of their pre-registration education was explored in five studies.…”

Disciplined appetites: Reimagining food and nutrition programs for people living with HIV and AIDS

“…Dietitians in the United Kingdom and Australia believe behaviour change is fundamental to the practice of dietetics. 27,28 In Canada, there is a prioritisation of science-based knowledge 29 and behaviour change models rooted in individualised changes and motivational factors. 30 Such models often fail to fully recognise the systemic economic, political, and social factors (such as stigma) that can make behaviour change next to impossible for some individuals.…”

“…Dietitians are trained to design and implement food and nutrition programs that help clients to change or modify some part of their diet, their eating behaviours, their bodies, and improve their health. Dietitians in the United Kingdom and Australia believe behaviour change is fundamental to the practice of dietetics 27,28 . In Canada, there is a prioritisation of science‐based knowledge 29 and behaviour change models rooted in individualised changes and motivational factors 30 .…”

Behaviour change theories and techniques used to inform nutrition interventions for adults undergoing bariatric surgery: A systematic review

“…This is particularly important given Rigby et al 40 found dietary interventions based on behaviour change theory and techniques were potentially more effective at improving patient health outcomes than interventions without theoretical underpinnings. While behaviour change science is valued by the dietetic profession, 46 we encourage embedding and documenting behaviour change theory in dietetic practice to improve patient‐centred care.…”