The BDA believes that dietitians have a critical role to play in supporting Primary Care services for conditions relating to diet and nutrition. Registered Dietitians are the only qualified health professionals that assess, diagnose and treat dietary and nutritional problems at an individual and wider public health level. Dietitians use the most up-to-date public health and scientific research on food, health and disease which they translate into practical guidance. They utilise behaviour modification methods and motivational interviewing techniques as well as innovative digital practice to enable service users to make appropriate lifestyle and food choices to manage their own conditions, and so have a significant impact on clinical outcomes.
Dietitians working in Primary Care will be experienced, autonomous practitioners with at least 5 years post registration experience. After completing Primary Care specific training, they can work as First Contact Practitioners (FCPs). FCPs are diagnostic clinicians who see the patient first and assess and manage undifferentiated and undiagnosed presentations.
Most dietitians are either trained to work with adults or children, it is rare that a dietitian will be able to work at a clinically advanced level with both. While all dietitians will have generalist knowledge of a wide range of conditions relating to diet and nutrition, but they may specialise in one area. Dietitians within Primary Care may work with adults with the following:
If you are considering a dietitian for your service, please see our 'Dietitians in primary care: A guide for general practice'.
Learning hub
Our resources have been developed to support those working in Primary Care and to highlight the wide range of work that those working in Primary Care do. Resources include, Primary Care articles, downloadable posters, social media graphics and webinars.
What is first contact practice?
A First Contact Practitioner (FCP) is a diagnostic clinician working in Primary Care at the top of their clinical scope of practice at Masters level, they can assess and manage undifferentiated and undiagnosed conditions.
Guide for General Practice
This document was developed by the BDA to support PCNs with best practice guidance when accessing a dietitian in primary care. It breaks down the role and effectiveness of dietitians in Primary Care, along with pay structure, how to access a dietitian in and more.