Workforce development in private practice dietetics: experiences and perceptions of experienced practitioners

Changes in Australian health policies and public funding models have increased the demand for private dietetics services over the past two decades. Limited available workforce data indicate that over half of the Australian dietetics workforce works in private practice at some level, with approximately 30%-50% of dietitians now entering private practice as new graduates. These changes in the sector have implications for dietetics workforce development. The present study aimed to explore private practice dietitians' perceptions and experiences about workforce development needed to successfully work as a private practice dietitian. Australian private practice dietitians were purposively sampled for participation in semistructured interviews on their experiences of, and perceptions about, workforce development needs for successful private practice. Data were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis methods. Sixteen dietitians participated. Twenty-seven themes emerged across seven constructs spanning pathways to practice, the work of private practitioners, workforce preparation, competency development, placements, competency requirements and challenges. Experienced private practice dietitians offer critical insights into the workforce development needs and challenges of the sector. Study participants indicated that their preparation for private practice was suboptimal and they have endured many challenges during their careers. This study highlights the need for a strategic approach to workforce development for private practice, including further research into the preparation and needs of this evolving area.