UK Dietitians' views on Communication Skills for Behaviour Change: A 10 year follow up survey.

Background In 2007, a survey of UK dietitians identified that dietitians were positive about the use of Communication Skills for Behaviour Change (CSBC) in practice but barriers to implementation of skills were acknowledged. This follow up survey aimed to explore current perceptions of CSBC and compare with the previous survey. Methodology A cross-sectional on-line survey of British Dietetic Association (BDA) members views of CSBC was undertaken. Results for full members are presented. Quantitative data was analysed descriptively. Qualitative data was subject to either content, or inductive thematic analysis. Results A 9.4% response rate (n=729) was achieved. Respondents were predominately female (n=684, 95.1%) and worked in the NHS (n=634, 87.4%). They were positive about the importance of CSBC in practice (n=714, 99.5%). Pre-registration training had been completed by 346 respondents (48.7%). Post-registration training had been undertaken by 520 (74.7%) respondents and 514 of these (99.6%) had implemented training into practice, with few barriers identified. Perception of ability to use skills had increased with 513 (83.6%) respondents rating their skills as excellent/very good, compared to 62% previously. The majority (n=594, 93.7%) reported that post-registration training was necessary, skills should be regularly reviewed (n=456, 74.5%) and 235 (51.9%) respondents suggested this be mandatory. In contrast, some suggested skill review was not a priority, would be difficult to administer and stressful. Conclusions Perception of importance of CSBC remains high. Although perceived ability to apply CSBC has increased, perceived need for post-registration training is high, with respondents' favouring mandatory training.