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A study of the attitudes and perceived barriers to undertaking clinical governance activities of dietitians in a Welsh National Health Service trust
Author(s) -
Shakeshaft A. M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of human nutrition and dietetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.951
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1365-277X
pISSN - 0952-3871
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-277x.2008.00868.x
Subject(s) - medicine , welsh , clinical governance , qualitative research , health care , nursing , census , family medicine , corporate governance , service (business) , population , perception , environmental health , psychology , philosophy , linguistics , social science , economy , finance , sociology , economics , economic growth , neuroscience
Background Previous studies of National Health Service (NHS) employees have identified barriers to undertaking clinical governance activities. Little of this research has investigated dietitians; however, where dietitians were included, generally positive attitudes towards research and evidence‐based practice were reported alongside the identified barriers. Methods A quantitative, whole population census was undertaken via a questionnaire distributed to 54 dietitians employed by Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust. Results Dietitians reported positive attitudes towards clinical governance; however, barriers to undertaking clinical governance activities were identified. The main barriers included lack of time, inadequate funding, the view that direct patient care should always be prioritised over clinical governance activities and inadequate research and critical evaluation skills. Conclusions Findings were similar to those reported in previous studies of NHS staff. Where comparison was possible, all of the barriers identified were reported at lower levels than in previous studies. As the study was purely quantitative in nature, no understanding was gained regarding the nature of identified barriers or what factors influenced the dietitians’ attitudes and perceptions. For further in‐depth analysis of these factors, a qualitative study is recommended. As the study comprised a whole population census, the findings cannot be generalized to the dietetic profession as a whole, or to other staff groups within or outside of the study Trust.