Comparative Analysis of Essential Tasks and Delegable Tasks among Kindergarten Dietitians

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to compare differences between essential tasks and delegable tasks among public kindergarten dietitians. A survey study was conducted through a self-administered online method from November 18 to December 28, 2019. The survey consisted of essential tasks and delegable tasks, including 6 Duties, 25 Tasks, and 94 Task Elements. The survey was distributed to a sample of 500 kindergartens in Korea, after excluding incomplete surveys and outliers, and a total of 224 responses were used for the analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to compare essential tasks and delegable tasks. The results show that ‘Duty A. Nutrition Management’, ‘Duty B. Foodservice Management Practices’, ‘Duty C. Hygiene management of kindergarten foodservice’, ‘Duty D. Nutrition-Diet Education and counseling’, and ‘Duty F. Professionalism Enhancement’ were recognized as essential tasks to be performed by kindergarten dietitians. All 16 tasks elements (100.0%) in ‘Duty E. Managing snacks during semesters, and lunch/snack during breaks’ were identified as delegable tasks. In conclusion, most tasks were recognized as essential tasks to be performed by kindergarten dietitians. On the other hand, ‘Duty E. Managing Snacks during semesters, and lunch/snack during breaks’ was considered a delegable task by public-attached kindergarten dietitians. It is recommended that public-attached kindergartens should consider additional workforce related to ‘Duty E’. This study is expected to offer basic data on laws and regulations about the duties of kindergarten dietitians.