Estimation of human resource needs and cost of adding registered dietitians to primary care networks.
OBJECTIVE
Information on human resources and costs is needed to plan for the addition of registered dietitian (RD) services to new models of primary health care (PHC). Estimates were developed, based on an analysis of an enhanced RD model of counselling and health promotion services in three Ontario Family Health Networks (FHNs).


METHODS
Both direct and indirect costs were averaged over the three FHNs. Costs and RD activities were tracked throughout 2005. The FHN staff completed two questionnaires addressing communication, case management, and satisfaction with RD services.


RESULTS
Actual and reported case management indicated that an estimated 1.3% to 2.4% of the 60,000 enrolled patients may require individual nutrition counselling in a year. If one full-time equivalent (FTE) RD can manage 380 new referrals, then one FTE RD is needed per 15,800 to 29,000 patients. The estimated direct costs of adding one FTE RD (including expenses and fixed costs) is US dollars 78,169 to US dollars 80,169, when the RD is an independent contractor.


CONCLUSIONS
Additional studies are needed to develop better estimates of human resource needs and costs of interdisciplinary nutrition services in all PHC settings. These estimates should be based on population characteristics and direct and indirect costs for all models of nutrition services in PHC settings.
Witt
Julia
J
Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
Brauer
Paula
P
Dietrich
Linda
L
Davidson
Bridget
B
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004046:Dietetics; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D009864:Ontario; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000191:economics; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000191:economics*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000191:economics*; D000078329:Workforce