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Objective: The primary aim of this study was to measure registered dietitians' (RDs') research involvement (by creating a research score) and to determine whether their perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of evidence-based practice and key antecedent factors (eg, sociodemographic characteristics, education and training, professional experiences, and employment setting) predicted their research involvement., Design: This cross-sectional, descriptive study used the Dietitian Research Involvement Survey and followed the Tailored Design Method., Subjects/setting: This study surveyed 258 randomly selected RDs from seven dietetic practice groups of the American Dietetic Association., Statistical Analyses Performed: Descriptive statistics, bivariate relationships, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to test whether perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of evidence-based practice score and antecedent factors predicted the research score of dietitians., Results: Perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of evidence-based practice score (r = 0.59, P < 0.0005), level of education (r = 0.53, P < 0.0005), taking a research course (r = 0.40, P < 0.0005), last time read research (r = 0.35, P < 0.0005), frequency of professional reading (r = 0.32, P < 0.0005), primary area of practice (r = 0.14, P = 0.02), association memberships (r = 0.14, P = 0.02), and dietetic practice group affiliation (r = 0.14, P = 0.02) were significantly correlated with research score. Using multivariate linear regression, the perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of evidence-based practice score (beta = 0.48, P < 0.0005) and level of education (beta = 0.39, P < 0.0005) were identified as the strongest predictors of research score., Conclusions: Involvement in research by RDs is largely determined by their perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of evidence-based practice and their level of education. Additional education and training related to research methodology and design, and evidence-based practice, is essential for greater participation in research activities by RDs.

Role delineation is an ongoing process and must be evaluated within the health care team framework. The specific interactions between dietitians and physicians in the nutrition care of patients is one aspect that needs to be more clearly defined. This study examined selected practice issues by surveying physicians and dietitians to identify perceptions of ideal and actual performance. Role disparity was found between the responses of the dietitians and those of the physicians. Dietitian respondents identified themselves as the primary decision makers more than 50% of the time in all circumstances queried. In contrast, 10% or less of the MDs saw the dietitians as the primary decision makers in any area except selection of caloric supplements. In the ideal setting, the dietitian desired a greater degree of autonomy than the physician was willing to grant. Our findings were not explained by demographic differences. Perhaps faulty communication between the physician and the dietitian or unclear medical-legal issues may explain our findings of perceived role disparity.

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether there is consensus among dietitians and administrators on the role functions of dietitians in New York State nursing homes. The study examined role expectations and reported role performance by full-time and part-time dietitians. Responses were received from a total of 535 individuals in 273 nursing homes (32%) constituting three distinct groups: 210 administrators, 200 full-time dietitians, and 125 part-time dietitians. Results indicated that all three groups exhibited consensus on 36 of the 47 role functions that should be performed by dietitians.

A nutrition fair was held in New York City through the cooperative efforts of the local Consulting Nutritionists in Private Practice, the Greater New York Dietetic Association, and two state assembly members. This event was undertaken to market the services of registered dietitians and to enhance the dietitian's role in the local legislative arena. The three-hour fair provided a forum at which the public could obtain direct information and educational materials on various nutrition topics and receive referrals for further consultation. The attendees were mostly women (72%); 63% were in the 21 to 50 age group; and 32% were more than 50 years old. The public response was positive, and the majority of attendees found answers to specific questions. The collaboration of the dietitians and the legislators was also positive. The two assembly members were able to communicate with their constituents and to see how dietitians practice.