HMO nutrition educators: qualifications and roles.
Although regulations did not specifically define nutrition services to be provided in HMOs, this survey showed that 60% of those in charge of nutrition education were nutritionists/dietitians. Of the registered dietitians, 32% held advanced degrees. Further growth of the nutritionist/dietitian position was seen by the fact that 61% of the HMOs had provided nutrition services for three to five years, while 22% had had these services for more than five years. Two-thirds (67%) of all nutrition educators employed were in HMOs of 30,000 members or less. Most nutritionists (77%) were members of the HMO staff rather than consultants. There is a real need for further development of nutrition care in the HMO setting. The nutritionist/dietitian is most suited to provide this quality care.
D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States