Blurred lines: Emerging practice for registered dietitian-nutritionists in integrative and functional nutrition

BackgroundThis study explored the health philosophy and practice orientation of RDNs in the United States.MethodsA randomly selected group of RDNs were recruited to take an online survey using a reduced version of Integrative Medicine practice (IM-30). Confirmatory factor analysis, analyses of variance, and non-parametric tests were used to investigate the relationships between dietetic professionals' personal health philosophy, lifestyle, and orientation to Integrative Medicine.ResultsOverall construct validity of the IM-26 scale was demonstrated by Cronbach's α with reliabilities ranging from 0.766 to 0.89. Results from chi-square test of goodness-of-fit test (N = 477, χ2 = 228.72, p = 0.123) and RMSEA of 0.016 showed good model fit. IM orientation varied significantly by work setting and certification in one or more CAM therapies.ConclusionsThe orientation towards Integrative Medicine for a majority of US dietitians is in the awareness and learning phases of adoption.