Predictors for Research Involvement among Registered Dietitians

A Cross-Sectional Exploration of Research Outcome Expectations

“…8 The 12-item scale uses a 5-point Likert scale (1 = never, 5 = always) to assess RD involvement in research in each of the 4 levels of the research and generate an overall involvement summary score. 4 Prior research has identified low response rates in this area of study to be associated with apathy toward research involvement. 21 The following statement was included in the survey invitation e-mail in an attempt to encourage participation from all levels of research involvement and reduce self-selection bias: "We are looking for dietetics professionals and students with varying levels of research experience to participate in this study.…”

Why Registered Dietitian Nutritionists Are Not Doing Research—Perceptions, Barriers, and Participation in Research from the Academy’s Dietetics Practice-Based Research Network Needs Assessment Survey

“…7 Research involvement has been highly correlated with primary area of practice; those working in education or research have more research experience than those in other areas. 8 Other factors previously identified as leading to more involvement in research among RDNs include holding a postgraduate degree or a doctorate, having research included in their job description, or having more experience in research or in dietetics. 3,6,7 RDNs report barriers to participating in research, including lack of research skills, time, financial resources, staff, 4-6 administrative support, and expertise or training in research.…”

Perceived Needs for Graduate Level Clinical Nutrition Education for Registered Dietitians

“…Byham-Gray's results support this finding with a positive correlation between level of education and research involvement. 20 Approximately one fourth of the respondents in this study who did not plan to pursue a graduate degree indicated that it was because they did not want to do a research thesis. The general avoidance of research involvement among RDs is disconcerting and must be addressed before the ADA's research priorities can be fulfilled.…”

“…Similar results are described by Byham-Gray et al, who reported that RDs' level of education, among other factors, was a predictor for research involvement. 20 There are no profession association requirements or accreditation processes for clinical nutrition graduate degree programs. As a result, requirements for courses, supervised practice, and research are ill-defined.…”