Authors

  1. Trammell, Emmy Lu MS, RDN, LD
  2. Reed, Debra PhD, RDN, LD
  3. Boylan, Mallory PhD, RDN, LD

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the self-efficacy of registered dietitian nutritionists working with clients with eating disorders (ED) and factors that might influence efficacy. Three focus groups (n = 16) were held with registered dietitian nutritionists at the 2013 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo. Open coding identified several themes: challenges with clients' mental health, treatment apprehension, blurred practice boundaries, poor ED awareness among professionals, need for mentor/colleague collaboration, minimal formal education on ED, and difficulty with protocol expectations for ED. Identification of these factors indicates a need for continued ED resource development for registered dietitian nutritionists to provide optimal care.