'Our training didn't prepare us for private practice': A multi-method study of dietetics graduates' preparedness for private practice employment.

Abstract

Aim: This multi-method study explored dietetics graduates' preparedness for the landscape of private practice employment.

Methods: Qualitative, in-depth interview and audio-diary data were collected longitudinally in 2019 regarding dietetics graduates' experiences of private practice employability. Framework analysis of qualitative data prompted a quantitative survey of university representatives in 2021-2022 on the use of private practice placements. Survey data were analysed descriptively. Qualitative themes were reviewed alongside quantitative findings and were interpreted in the context of the sociocultural theory, landscapes of practice.

Results: Qualitative data from nine dietetics graduates (total 12 hours of audio data) indicated unpreparedness for this setting, with the following themes identified: 1) private practice skills were lacking; 2) making a living from private practice was challenging; and 3) support was needed. Quantitative data from 18 program directors of accredited universities (100% response) illustrated that private practice placement experiences varied from <10 to 40 days. Placements were most commonly elective (44%) and were not offered by four programs (22%). University program directors expressed concerns that private practice placements were challenging to organise and offered limited client contact hours.

Conclusions: It is an educational priority to prepare graduates for available employment opportunities by providing learning experiences that traverse the dietetics landscape of practice. Co-designing placements with private practice business owners may support authentic experiences of appropriate durations, with ample opportunities for students to build skills to enhance preparedness for this growing employment setting.