Dietitians practice within a changing healthcare environment; with new technologies, a growing evidence base for nutrition and dietetics, as well as the changing demographics and expectations of service users.
Dietetics has moved from a profession that required a medical referral before acting, where the curriculum and standards for entry to the profession weren't clearly described and the impact of the profession was poorly understood, to a fully autonomous profession with rights to prescribe prescription only medicines.
The profession of dietetics is now well respected and enjoys a high profile within health, the wider community and the media. The impact of nutrition interventions on health outcomes are growing in recognition. The profession has built new roles for registered dietitians, and importantly, support workers and nutritionists. Dietitians work in multi-disciplinary teams, in advanced and extended roles, and in new areas of practice.
The practice of dietetics has changed along with our professional profile and we have made many advances. This work continues and to support this, we provide workforce development and education resources, guidance and links to support dietetic practice.
The BDA and its members recently undertook a programme of work “Future Dietitian 2025”, which aimed to ensure the profession remains relevant in a rapidly changing world, and that dietitians and the wider dietetic and nutrition workforce are fit for the future.
Members can read the report from Plymouth University, who were commissioned by the BDA to carry out the research. The aim of this research was to inform the development of a workforce strategy for Dietetics for 2020-2030. This included an understanding of the drivers for change, the views of stakeholders and recommendations to prepare the profession for the future.