Using Initiative to Achieve Autonomy: A Model for Advanced Practice in Medical Nutrition Therapy

Identifying Components of Advanced-Level Clinical Nutrition Practice: A Delphi Study

“…Confirmed by this study, the need for a graduate degree is supported as an approach to foster critical thinking and research skills in the dietetics literature. 8,10 Findings that might offer guidance in establishing alternative educational pathways for advancedlevel practice include completion of an advanced practice residency or training; research coursework; and continuing professional education. These results suggest that although graduate education is strongly desired as the underpinning to advanced-level practice development; it should be paired with lifelong learning and advanced practice training.…”

“…Experience breeds depth and breadth of knowledge or expertise in clinical nutrition. [8][9][10] Themes emerged regarding the unique expertise required for clinical advanced practice RDs. Advanced knowledge of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and metabolism and its application into clinical nutrition practice; advanced skills in nutrition-focused physical assessment, counseling, and interviewing; and use of the Nutrition Care Process and Model and International Dietetics and Nutrition Terminology were essential.…”

“…Research suggests advanced-level practice exists in the dietetics profession, [8][9][10] but it has been difficult to characterize advanced-level practice broadly across all practice areas. 6 Focusing advanced-level practice inquiry on one practice area, such as clinical nutrition, the largest dietetics practice segment, 11 was chosen to provide a more concise depiction of advanced-level practice.…”

Framework for Analyzing Supply and Demand for Specialist and Advanced Practice Registered Dietitians

“…The research on advanced practice suggests that the clearest distinction between advanced practice RDs and other RDs is approach to practice (24,26). The practice may be similar in terms of tasks performed (eg, assess and diagnose), but the approach to advanced practice appears to be distinct from entry-level practice.…”

Clinical Registered Dietitians, Employers, and Educators Are Interested in Advanced Practice Education and Professional Doctorate Degrees in Clinical Nutrition

“…We developed an advanced medical nutrition therapy practice model (8). Competencies derived from the model were compared with the existing entry-level competencies to avoid overlap, and used as the basis for a survey (9).…”