ORCID Profile
0000-0001-7738-0783
Current Organisations
Bond University Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine
,
Bond University
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Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-07-2019
Abstract: The present study aimed to systematically map and summarise existing research regarding dietetics workforce preparation and preparedness that has been conducted in Australia. The secondary aim was to then identify gaps in the literature to inform future priority areas in Australian dietetics education research. The databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, ERIC, Informit and PsycINFO were systematically searched from inception until July 2017 using key search terms to identify eligible studies. Extracted data were independently reviewed, and study quality was appraised by multiple researchers. Results were categorised by setting and primary focus/foci and then narratively summarised. Sixty-eight studies were included from 3779 records identified. Dietetics education research in Australia has spanned almost 30 years with more than half of studies (51% 35/68) published in the last five years. The greatest proportion of research was conducted in the university setting (43% 29/68), with students as participants (48% 43/90) and was focused on the medical nutrition therapy area of dietetics practice (43% 29/68). Published studies involving graduates (14% 13/90) conducted in the workplace (12% 8/68) and regarding emerging areas of dietetics practice (0% 0/90) are lacking. Employment outcomes of dietetics graduates across Australia were last published over 25 years ago. This review provides a map for dietetics educators and researchers in Australia to guide future research regarding the preparation and preparedness of dietitians. Advancing the Australian dietetics workforce of the future will require a strategic, coordinated and collaborative approach to address the research gaps identified in this review.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-09-2015
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-01-2019
DOI: 10.1111/JHN.12620
Abstract: Dietetics practice educators are instrumental in the development of future dietitians. The present study aimed to explore dietetics practice educators' experiences of, and challenges faced in, dietetics workforce preparation. This study was guided by interpretive description methodology. Purposive and maximum variation s ling were used to recruit 18 dietetics practice educators from a variety of practice areas and locations across Australia. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were digitally recorded then transcribed verbatim and inductive coding of data was managed with nvivo (QSR International Pty Ltd, Doncaster, VIC, Australia). Multiple researchers analysed the data to develop preliminary themes using template analysis before final themes were identified. Three main themes were developed: nurturing others seeing the flaws and soldiering on. Practice educators take great satisfaction in witnessing students develop and are focused on cultivating future practitioners with authentic learning activities. However, they are impacted by perceived shortcomings of the systems in which they operate and consider that broadening the scope of dietetics placements to better align with contemporary practice could benefit graduates and the profession. Despite these challenges, practice educators are pragmatic in getting on with their roles and recognise the advantages gained from student placements. Despite facing numerous challenges, practice educators derive benefits from their role in workforce preparation. Evidence is required on how students can demonstrate competence in contemporary areas of practice and on how to enable the scope of student placements to be broadened. Such strategies could support practice educators to overcome challenges and help ensure the dietetics profession of tomorrow is relevant and responsive.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-10-2018
DOI: 10.1111/JHN.12600
Abstract: Dietetics students are a widely researched group. As emerging dietitians, they can provide valuable insights to inform how dietetics education programmes may be enhanced to meet contemporary healthcare needs. This review aimed to systematically synthesise dietetics students' experiences of dietetics workforce preparation. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, ERIC, Informit and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global were searched to identify research published until June 2017. Studies investigating dietetics students' experiences of dietetics workforce preparation, and employing qualitative data collection and analysis methods were included. Data analysis was guided by thematic synthesis, where themes were constructed through an iterative and inductive process. Study quality was appraised using the RATS Qualitative Research Review Guidelines. From the 3301 records identified, five studies met the inclusion criteria and the views of 120 dietetics students from two countries over a 9-year period were synthesised. The overarching theme of 'navigating through the ups and downs' was underpinned by four main themes: enduring hurdles reconciling expectations transforming self and making and breaking connections. Quality appraisal results rated selection bias as being inadequate/inappropriate across all studies. Dietetics students undertake a transformational journey through dietetics education. They are inspired by seeing what is possible through meaningful encounters with practitioners in erse settings. However, they are challenged by competitive environments and perceived ideals that are embedded in the profession. Strategies that focus on exposing dietetics students to inspirational practitioners, increasing and celebrating ersity in academic lacement settings, and incentivising collaboration across dietetics education, could act as catalysts to enhance the experience of future dietetics students and the nutrition-related health of those they will serve.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-01-2016
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-08-2020
DOI: 10.1007/S10459-019-09904-6
Abstract: Effective health workforce preparation is critical to the health of those who stand to benefit from its services. Emerging dietitians can provide important insights on an evolving workforce that is well-placed to advance future global health. This study aimed to explore a national s le of dietetics graduates' experiences of, and challenges faced in, dietetics workforce preparation and preparedness in Australia. An interpretive description methodology guided this study whereby researchers interpreted the meanings that participants attributed to their experiences. Twenty dietitians (graduated within the last 2 years) were purposively s led from across Australia and detailed insights were obtained through semi-structured interviews. A multi-analyst approach employing thematic and template analysis, enabled five themes to be identified across the data set. These included: (1) being held back (2) chasing the prize (3) valuing real learning (4) easing the transition and (5) encountering influencers. While graduates appreciated their preparation, they were not empowered or equipped to embrace opportunities in erse and emerging areas of dietetics practice. Graduates were challenged by the competitive landscape of securing obvious job opportunities and by a lack of support in transitioning into the workforce. Practice exposures and encounters with influential dietitians were highly valued. Research on role-emerging dietetics placements along with enhanced support mechanisms for novice dietitians is urgently required to ensure appropriate alignment between future dietetics preparation and practice. Obtaining insights into health professional graduates' experiences of their education can be used to ensure that emerging health workforces are relevant and responsive to future market needs.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-02-2015
Publisher: ACM
Date: 20-06-2023
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-06-2018
Abstract: Dietetics educators represent a small but influential workforce group that has experienced significant change in recent years. The workforce development challenges faced by this group have been largely unexplored. The present study aimed to explore the experiences of, and challenges faced by, academic dietetics educators in preparing dietitians for the workforce. The approach taken in the present study was informed by qualitative description. Fifteen dietetics educators employed by 13 universities across Australia were purposively s led. In-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted via telephone (n = 12) or face-to-face (n = 3) were digitally recorded then transcribed verbatim. Data were managed with NVivo and inductively analysed using open coding. Codes were condensed into themes through an iterative process involving multiple researchers. The overarching theme of 'aiming for a moving target' was underpinned by the themes of: (i) striving for betterment (ii) bridging dissonance and (iii) distressing impossibilities. Interviewees described how they were driven to enhance the preparation of dietitians but acknowledged disparity between what graduates are being prepared for and what they need to be prepared for. Heightened expectations of others, professional constraints and a lack of collegiality among the profession were among the challenges that manifested in a sense of frustration, concern and isolation. Dietetics educators are motivated to shape and enhance the future profession. However, they face numerous challenges in their efforts to prepare graduates who are well-equipped for increasingly erse dietetics practice. Strong leadership, academic collaboration and greater engagement of the broader workforce are required for the benefit of the entire profession.
Publisher: ACM
Date: 20-06-2023
Location: Australia
No related grants have been discovered for Kate Morgan.