Vancouver dietitians' perspectives on their roles in long-term care.
OBJECTIVE
In this study, we sought insight into the clinical practice experiences of dietitians working independently (i.e., as the only dietitian in a facility) in long-term care (LTC). We hoped to learn about their work roles and identify specific factors that facilitate their success.


METHODS
Grounded theory methods were used. Data were collected through 11 semi-structured interviews. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed using a constant comparative method, which included coding, memo writing, and ongoing discussion between the two researchers.


RESULTS
When speaking about their roles, participants identified both specific tasks they had to complete and broader roles they fulfilled. Many of these roles focused on relationships with co-workers and building effective multidisciplinary teams. Effective teamwork was linked with dietitians' personal feelings of success in providing resident-focused nutritional care in the LTC setting.


CONCLUSIONS
The LTC dietitians' various roles were generally self-appointed, and they focused more on the purpose of their work than on tasks. A primary focus of these roles was the multidisciplinary team and the promotion of effective teamwork, especially, but not exclusively, as it applies to the provision of nutritional care. Successful teamwork was linked to dietitians' reports of personal success in their work.
Wassink
Heather L
HL
Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC.
Chapman
Gwen E
GE
D001294:Attitude to Health; D001955:British Columbia; D016208:Databases, Factual; D004045:Dietary Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004046:Dietetics / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008134:Long-Term Care / Q000379:methods*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D024382:Professional Role; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D013223:Statistics as Topic / Q000379:methods