ABSTRACT
Introduction: Dietetics in Canada has greatly evolved since 1993 when a book describing Canadian dietetic history, Canadian Dietitians: Making a Difference, was published, suggesting a need for an update. Objectives: The purpose of the current research is to collect and document the history of dietetics since 1993 on the topic of consulting, defined as dietitians working in individual or group private practice counselling. Methods: Ten consulting dietitians from across Canada were interviewed. A draft timeline of key events was developed as a starting point for discussion. Interview transcripts were coded for descriptive and interpretive content. Inter-rater reliability was ensured through discussion and comparison between three researchers. Results: The Consulting Dietitians Network of Dietitians of Canada, previously the Consulting Dietitians of Ontario, is thought to be the first consulting dietetic network in Canada, established in the early 1980s. Five meta-themes emerged from the data: (i) challenges of consulting dietetics;(ii) promoting the profession;(iii) influence of COVID-19 on consulting dietetics;(iv) flexibility and variety in consulting dietetics;and, (v) ability to provide a high level of care. Consulting dietitians promote themselves and the profession by advertising their services and through involvement in various forms of media. They are able to engage in a variety of different projects due to the flexibility provided by working in private practice. Additionally, counselling in the private sector allows consulting dietitians to support their patients on an individualized basis, often with short wait times and without a referral. Conclusions: Since its inception, consulting dietetics has continued to grow into the relatively popular dietetic career choice it is today. Despite immense progress, there are still many challenges in the consulting dietetic profession including financial challenges, isolation, and competition between consulting dietitians and with unregulated nutrition professionals. Significance: The results of this study have many relevant implications including identifying areas in which consulting dietetics have helped advance the field of dietetics, areas for improvement and key events that shaped the field. The online timeline produced from this project will be available to dietitians and the public to access and learn about the history of consulting dietetics. Funded by: University of Guelph. In-kind support from Dietitians of Canada.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: The history of dietetic practice was most recently recorded in the 1993 publication, Canadian Dietitians: Making a Difference. At this time, the role of dietitians working in traditional media (television, radio, newspaper etc.) was emerging. Additionally, social networking websites were non-existent until yr following this book's publication. Thus, historical record in this area of practice is lacking and documentation is required. Objectives: To develop a timeline and conduct key informant interviews to describe the historical experience of dietitians working in traditional and social media from a Canadian perspective since 1993. Methods: A draft timeline of media dietetics was created based on a literature review and descriptions of key media initiatives provided by informants. Eleven key informants completed semi-structured audio-taped telephone interviews, using the draft timeline as a starting point. Recordings were transcribed and coded by six research team members for descriptive and interpretive content using thematic analysis. A social ecologic framework was used to organize themes. Results: Interviewees worked in 9 provinces while involved in the media including Ontario (n = 7), Manitoba (n = 4), Quebec (n = 3), British Columbia (n = 2), Nova Scotia (n = 2), Saskatchewan (n = 2), New Brunswick (n = 1), Alberta (n = 1) and Prince Edward Island (n = 1). They reported 6--41 yr of dietetic work experience in the media (mean: 22.2 yr). Five main meta-themes emerged from the interviews. (i) Media involvement and the expansion from traditional to social media;(ii) advances associated with using media in dietetic practice;(iii) challenges associated with using media in dietetic practice;(iv) media dietetics emerging through DC initiatives and advocacy;and, (v) implications of COVID-19 on the role of media dietitians. Conclusions: Media dietitians play a key role in educating the public and act as trusted and credible sources of nutrition information. Over the past quarter-century, through advances in technology and the development of the internet, Canadian media dietetics has evolved dramatically. Significance: These findings will be used to inform dietitians and students about the history of the profession. A better understanding of dietetic practice in the media can also guide future developments and increase public awareness of the work that dietitians do. Funded by: University of Guelph. In-kind support from Dietitians of Canada.