TY - JOUR
T1 - A preliminary qualitative exploration of dietitians' engagement with genetics and nutritional genomics
T2 - Perspectives from international leaders
AU - Li, Sherly X.
AU - Collins, Jorja
AU - Lawson, Stephanie
AU - Thomas, Jane
AU - Truby, Helen
AU - Whelan, Kevin
AU - Palermo, Claire
PY - 2014/12/1
Y1 - 2014/12/1
N2 - This qualitative study explored the underlying determinants of dietitians' current practice and attitudes about nutritional genomics. METHODS: Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with international leaders selected across each domain of dietetics practice from Australia (n=8) and the United Kingdom (n=8). Interviews explored knowledge, involvement, perceived role, and attitudes about the benefits and barriers of genetics and nutritional genomics. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five key themes were identified. (i) acknowledgment that there are wide applications for nutritional genomics; (ii) a general lack of awareness of nutritional genomics that underlies a knowledge, skills, and confidence gap; (iii) dietitians are patient-orientated and thus are receptive to the public's needs; (iv) the legitimacy of commercialised nutritional genomics products and services; and (v) prioritisation of nutritional genomics amongst other practice-related commitments as well as the influence of the workplace setting. CONCLUSIONS: In order for healthcare services to prepare for the application of nutritional genomics, these social, political, attitudinal, and awareness issues amongst dietitians need to be addressed. Further education in nutritional genomics may help to build awareness, continued research is crucial in determining utility, whilst establishing a healthcare system that supports and rewards this approach may cultivate its adoption.
AB - This qualitative study explored the underlying determinants of dietitians' current practice and attitudes about nutritional genomics. METHODS: Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with international leaders selected across each domain of dietetics practice from Australia (n=8) and the United Kingdom (n=8). Interviews explored knowledge, involvement, perceived role, and attitudes about the benefits and barriers of genetics and nutritional genomics. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Five key themes were identified. (i) acknowledgment that there are wide applications for nutritional genomics; (ii) a general lack of awareness of nutritional genomics that underlies a knowledge, skills, and confidence gap; (iii) dietitians are patient-orientated and thus are receptive to the public's needs; (iv) the legitimacy of commercialised nutritional genomics products and services; and (v) prioritisation of nutritional genomics amongst other practice-related commitments as well as the influence of the workplace setting. CONCLUSIONS: In order for healthcare services to prepare for the application of nutritional genomics, these social, political, attitudinal, and awareness issues amongst dietitians need to be addressed. Further education in nutritional genomics may help to build awareness, continued research is crucial in determining utility, whilst establishing a healthcare system that supports and rewards this approach may cultivate its adoption.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84918577729&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:84918577729
SN - 0090-7421
VL - 43
SP - 221
EP - 228
JO - Journal of Allied Health
JF - Journal of Allied Health
IS - 4
ER -