Updates to the Definition of Evidence-Based (Dietetics) Practice: Providing Clarity for Practice

The profession of nutrition and dietetics values evidence-based practice; research has been described as the backbone of the profession 1 and evidence-based decision-making is encouraged as a part of daily practice. 2 The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy), Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), and Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) all support and encourage evidence-based practice. The phrase evidence-based appears twice within the Code of Ethics for the Nutrition and Dietetics Profession (item 1a and 1e) 3 and comprises an entire domain for dietetics internship 4 and didactic programs in dietetics competencies (Domain 1). 5 The CDR requires that programs be evidence-based in order to be eligible for continuing professional education credit. 6 In addition, the Academy’s Center for Lifelong Learning requires the use of evidence before providing continuing professional education offerings via webinars and certificates of training. 6 In this context, an important requirement of evidence-based practice is that statements are supported by documentation from current and reputable, refereed, scientific journals.