Research is an essential component within nutrition and dietetics, and the wider health and social care environment. Its undertaking should improve the evidence base and lead to improvements in service user case, outcomes, safety and experiences, and reduce uncertainties.
Defining research
Within the UK Policy Framework for Health and Social Care Research, research is defined as:
"the attempt to derive generalisable or transferable new knowledge to answer or refine relevant questions with scientifically sound methods".
In simpler terms, it means using established methods to investigate a problem, issue or question, with the overall aim of discovering and interpreting new and useful knowledge about the area in question.
Importance of Research
Research is fundamental to promoting and advancing nutrition and dietetic practice. It allows us to develop the evidence to which we base our practice on. Its undertaking leads to changes to the interventions, treatments, policies and care we provide.
Its importance is highlighted throughout national strategies and plans developed across the four nations:
- Allied Health Professions’ Research and Innovation Strategy for England
- AHP Research and Innovation Strategy Northern Ireland
- Allied Health Professions Framework for Wales: Looking Forward Together
- Health and Care Research Wales' NHS Research and Development Framework
- An Innovation, Research, and Improvement Strategy for Allied Health Professionals in NHS Lothian 2022-27
Your role in research
Every member of the dietetic workforce should be involved in research. The level of involvement will vary according to:
- your role
- your level of practice.
You can find out more about the research capabilities expected of you at each level of practice within The BDA Professional Development Framework and the BDA Support Workforce Professional Development Framework. Registered dietitians can also refer to the 'Multi-Professional Practice-Based Research Capabilities Framework' from the Centre for Advancing Practice.
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