Hawai'i Registered Dietitian Nutritionist 2019-2020 Workforce Assessment.

There is scant literature available on the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) workforce in the United States, but a review of healthcare systems suggests that implementation of RDNs in primary care settings may improve access to care, patient satisfaction, and quality of care. The Area Health Education Center (AHEC), in partnership with the Hawai'i Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (HAND), investigated 395 providers to evaluate the status of Hawai'i's RDN workforce. The research team utilized all available provider information and direct calling methodology to collect data from August 2019 to February 2020. Microsoft Excel software allowed for data analysis and ArcGIS mapping software was used to visualize provider totals and Full-Time Equivalencies (FTEs) across the state. This study identifies trends in workforce demographics and provider supply. Researchers found 100 RDNs providing direct patient care for a total of 82.4 FTEs. Women account for 94% of survey respondents, and the average age of providers was 48. RDNs who self-identify as being Asian American (41%) or White (47%) were the largest ethnic groups providing direct patient care. Seventy percent of the RDN workforce was located on O'ahu, while RDN FTEs are concentrated in mainly 5 zip codes, 1 on each of O'ahu, Kaua'i, and Maui and 2 on Hawai'i Island. Provider demand trends, increased training and retention efforts, and integration of nutritional services in healthcare teams should be further investigated.