Research & Practice
Assessing Dietitans’ Preparedness for Eating Disorder Care: A Preliminary Needs Assessment
As part of the Leadership Education in Adolescent Health (LEAH) Traineeship at Seattle Children’s, the student designed and conducted a preliminary needs assessment to examine dietitians’ preparedness to care for patients with eating disorders. After developing Interview questions, interviewing five dietitians, and analysing their responses, common themes related to confidence, training, clinical challenges, and organizational barriers were identified. Based on the findings, the student generated recommendations for targeted eating disorder education for dietitians, shadowing and family-based treatment exposure, clearer referral pathways, screening prompts, weight-neutral communication guidance, and tools for recognizing gastrointestinal concerns. The project and a training implementation policy model were presented to stakeholders, and the student led a discussion about how practical training and organizational support can assist dietitians in providing safe, confident, and compassionate eating disorder care.
Materials Available
Project Type(s): MNT Concentration Clinical Poster
Author(s): Greeshma Gurudatta Mallya
Program(s): Master of Science, RDN Training
Year: 2026
Adviser(s):