Authors

  1. Serna, Theresa A. MS, RD
  2. Zheng, Grace Q. BS
  3. Hand, Rosa K. PhD, RDN, LD, FAND

Abstract

Critical thinking is essential for registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) to obtain and interpret data within the Nutrition Care Process Model, but critical thinking dispositions and skills have not been quantified previously in RDNs. This cross-sectional study used validated tools to describe critical thinking dispositions and skills of 78 RDNs. Results suggest that RDNs have relatively strong critical thinking skills but the study did not reach adequate power to make planned comparisons of critical thinking based on participant personal or professional characteristics. This study raises awareness of critical thinking definition and measurement to encourage additional participation in future research on this topic.