Practice learning a prelude to work: studies by DIETS2

Purpose – The aim of this study is to describe placement learning opportunities for student dietitians related to future fields of work. Design/methodology/approach – An online questionnaire determined the variety and duration of pre-qualifying practice placements across Europe. Responses from members of the Thematic Network DIETS2 in Europe (n = 39) were analysed. Findings – A response rate of 61 per cent from 19 countries (39 higher education institutions or national dietetic associations) is reported. Four sub-types of placement are used by the respondents for pre-qualifying dietetic students. Placements are in public health, education and social care (28 per cent); clinical (27 per cent); catering (20 per cent) and others (25 per cent), including the food industry. Median number of weeks in the location was 12 for clinical settings; 5 for health, education and social care; 4.5 for in catering and up to 7 weeks in other locations. Research limitations/implications – If dietitians and nutritionists are ...