The profession and work fields of dietitians in Germany

Background: Dietitians in Germany are considered federally protected health professionals. One of the statutory educational goals for Dietitians is the ability to apply the science of nutrition to the feeding and education of groups of people and individuals in both health and disease. Education of dietetic professionals started in the 19th century and became one of the first socially accepted professions for women. Dietitians belong to the oldest state recognised health professions in Germany. Obesity, malnutrition and other nutrition related diseases have become a major challenge facing modern society. The professional knowledge of dietitians has gained importance in managing these conditions. Despite these facts, there is only limited data characterising the profession and the work fields of so statements describing their potential are not possible. Aim: The aim of the study was to describe the dietitians' profession and work fields. Methods: A self administered questionnaire was distributed to all members of the German Dietitian Association in December 2009 (N=3846). The response rate was 27.2% (N=1047). 97.2% (n=1011) of the respondents were female and 2.8% (n=29) were male. Results: 76.8% of the respondents were registered dietitians; 24.3% were student dietitians. The results show that 64.7% of the dietitians are employed in clinics, nursing homes and rehabilitation clinics. 15.4% work as freelance dietitians and 19.8% are both employed and freelance. 63.8% work in one or more interdisciplinary teams together with other professionals e.g. dietitians (79.6%), physicians (66%), nurses (35.5%) and psychologists (43.4%). 31.1% of employed vs. 62.6% of freelance dietitians work in preventive nutrition. Dietetic and nutritional therapy is performed by 76.6% of the employed and 85.9% of the freelancers dietitians. Conclusion: Our data are the first specifying dietitians' profession and work fields, their potentials and their role in the health care system, especially in prevention and therapy of diseases.