Knowledge Translation in Dietetics: A Survey of Dietitians' Awareness and Confidence

Can J Diet Pract Res. 2020 Mar 1;81(1):49-53. doi: 10.3148/cjdpr-2019-027. Epub 2019 Sep 12.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine dietitians' familiarity with knowledge translation (KT), confidence in undertaking KT, and preferences for receiving KT training. An online questionnaire was designed and disseminated to all dietitians working across hospital and health services in Queensland, Australia, for completion over a 6-week period (April-May 2018). Of the 124 respondents, 69% (n = 85) reported being familiar with KT, but only 28% (n = 35) reported being confident in applying KT to their practice. Higher confidence was reported with problem identification, evidence appraisal, and adapting evidence to local context, compared with implementation, evaluation, and dissemination. Almost all respondents reported an interest in learning more about KT (n = 121, 98%), with a preference for easily accessible and short "snippets" of training aimed at beginner-intermediate level. Lack of management support, difficulty attending multi-day courses, cost, travel requirements, and lack of quarantined time were reported barriers to attending KT training. There is a high awareness and interest but low confidence in undertaking KT amongst dietitians. This highlights an opportunity for workforce development to prepare dietitians to be skilled and confident in KT. Training and support needs to be low-cost and multi-modal to meet diverse needs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Australia
  • Awareness
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dietetics / education*
  • Dietetics / methods
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Nutritionists / education
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Self Concept
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Translational Research, Biomedical / education*