Reported Scope of Practice Variations

Abstract

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics implemented the Scope of Dietetics Practice Framework to guide dietitians using performance standards. Dietitians (n = 163) gave their opinions about variable practice requests. The findings show that 67% (n = 107) were asked to write diet orders, 85% (n = 136) were asked to make tube feeding decisions, 61% (n = 97) were asked to write parenteral nutrition orders, 19% (n = 29) were asked to feed patients, 40% (n = 64) were asked to write prescriptions, and 12% (n = 19) were asked to care for gastric-tube sites. Dietitians who worked in medical centers (p = .01) performed more clinical practice that are considered variable to scope of practice guidelines.

Keywords:

• scope of practice
• practice
• guidelines
• framework