Three Lesson Series Improves Student Confidence in Ability to Apply Evidence-Based Practice in Dietetics

The Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession states that science-based decisions, derived from the best available evidence, are the underpinnings of ethical practice. 1 Commission on Dietetic Registration. Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; 2018.https://www.eatrightpro.org/-/media/eatrightpro-files/career/code-of-ethics/coeforthenutritionanddieteticsprofession.pdf?la=en&hash=0C9D1622C51782F12A0D6004A28CDAC0CE99A032. Accessed January 4, 2021. Google Scholar Nutrition and dietetics practitioners must engage in evidence-based practice to meet professional standards and protect individual clients, the community, and the profession. 1 Commission on Dietetic Registration. Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; 2018.https://www.eatrightpro.org/-/media/eatrightpro-files/career/code-of-ethics/coeforthenutritionanddieteticsprofession.pdf?la=en&hash=0C9D1622C51782F12A0D6004A28CDAC0CE99A032. Accessed January 4, 2021. Google Scholar Although the number of evidence-based nutrition guidelines continues to grow, end-user adoption of these guidelines remains a barrier to achieving consistent, evidence-based practice within the profession. 2 Raynor HA Beto JA Zoellner J. Achieving evidence-based practice in dietetics by using evidence-based practice guidelines. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2020; 120: 751-756 Google Scholar For example, more than 95% of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) reported knowing that evidence-based guidelines for the prevention of type 2 diabetes from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics existed, and 90% reported being familiar with the guideline when, in fact, the guideline did not exist. 3 Hand RK Abram JK. Sense of competence impedes uptake of new academy evidence-based practice guidelines: results of a survey. J Acad Nutr Diet. 2016; 116: 695-705 Google Scholar