Engaging with diversity and complexity using collaborative approaches to decision making

A key challenge in contemporary dietetic practice is facilitating collaborative goal setting and decision-making about dietary behaviours with a diverse range of patients. Contemporary decision-making frameworks for clinical dietetic practice support working in a collaborative manner with patients. However, there remains uncertainty as to how and when dietitians should apply this approach in practice. In this doctoral research project, Marissa used a philosophical hermeneutic approach to deepen understanding of a collaborative approach to decision-making in dietetic practice. The research focussed on early career dieticians and the findings presented in this paper refer to that group specifically. The research identified the core capabilities required to successfully enact collaborative decision making among this group.