Interviewing and counseling functions of the dietetic technician in nutritional care. Evaluation of identified competencies.

The study was designed to identify and to evaluate the interviewing and diet counseling functions of the dietetic technician. Detailed comparisons and analyses were made of data collected from dietetic practitioners and educators and of data from the literature, curriculums, and job descriptions. Competencies were identified for further study. The videotaped performances of dietetic technician students were compared to defined criteria. The interviewing and patient education skills were satisfactory. A majority of the students lacked the counseling skills required for a client-centered approach. Curriculum inferences are presented.