Evidence-based practice: what are dietitians' perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge?
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to measure dietitians' perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge of evidence-based practice (PAK score), and to determine whether antecedent factors (eg, sociodemographic characteristics, education and training, professional experiences, and employment setting) predicted PAK score.


METHODS
This cross-sectional, descriptive study used the Dietitian Research Involvement Survey following the Tailored Design Method.


METHODS
This study surveyed 500 randomly selected registered dietitians from seven dietetic practice groups of the American Dietetic Association.


METHODS
Bivariate relationships were examined between antecedent factors and PAK score. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to test whether these factors predicted PAK score.


RESULTS
Higher PAK scores were associated with registered dietitians who completed more years of education (r=0.28, P<.0005), had taken a research course (r=0.28, P<.0005), frequently read research articles (r=0.41, P<.0005), earned an advanced-level board certification (r=0.18, P=.004), worked full-time (r=0.26, P<.0005), or belonged to professional organizations (r=0.18, P=.003). The strongest predictors for PAK score were "last time read research" (beta=.33, P<.0005), work status (beta=.20, P<.0005), level of education (beta=.19, P=.001), and association memberships (beta=.14, P=.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicated that dietitians' ability to incorporate an evidence-based approach is largely determined by their education and training, work experience, and professional association involvement. This study identified a need to integrate concepts and principles of evidence-based practice into dietetics curriculums so that practitioners are able to routinely apply research findings to clinical practice.
Byham-Gray
Laura D
LD
Department of Primary Care, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Stratford 08084, USA. laura.byham-gray@umdnj.edu
Gilbride
Judith A
JA
Dixon
L Beth
LB
Stage
Frances King
FK
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D004046:Dietetics / Q000592:standards*; D004522:Educational Status; D004651:Employment; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests