Development and baseline findings of a national dataset describing Australian private practice dietetics.

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to establish the processes for a national dataset describing Australian private practice dietetics and to report baseline workforce data.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey captured workforce and business data for dietitians working in private practice dietetics in Australia. Business owners from a national register were invited to complete the survey and to share the survey with employed or contracted dietitians between May and June 2024. Data were analysed descriptively.

Results: Seven hundred and three business owners were invited to participate, and 176 participants completed the workforce items (25% response rate). Participants were primarily female (n = 158; 90%) business owners (n = 161; 91%), mean ± SD age of 42 ± 9 years and mean time since graduation of 15 ± 9 years. Mean time spent per week working in private practice was 26 ± 15 hours. Most participants were satisfied with their work in private practice (n = 160, 91%) and anticipated working in private practice in 5 years' time (n = 155, 88%), though some (n = 62, 35%) felt some degree of unwellness due to stress. Business owners were generally dissatisfied with the applications received for advertised dietetics roles. One hundred twenty-one participants consented to follow-up in 2 years as part of the ongoing survey.

Conclusions: A national dataset describing the dietetics workforce, supported by ongoing data capture, is essential to support workforce planning and ensure that private practice is a legitimate and sustainable career path, thereby future-proofing this segment of the workforce and ensuring access to high-quality preventative and primary dietetics care.