Measuring Nutrition Work Across Queensland

The public health and community nutrition workforce in Queensland has experienced significant change. These changes happened following a new government in 2012, and its response to the National Health and Hospitals Reform and budget constraints. This research documented and analysed current roles and activities of the preventative health nutrition workforce. An online survey was conducted with all positions known to be working in nutrition prevention (n=320). The sample population was generated using existing databases which were validated by comparisons with workforce data from the Queensland Health Department and sector consultation. Snowballing was also used. 128 practitioners responded to the survey (response rate =40%). This was made up of those whose job title included the words “nutritionist” or “dietitian” (n=64) and those whose job title did not (n=61). Three respondents did not supply a title. Ninety-four practitioners had a nutrition or dietetic qualification indicating that a number of the workforce have shifted to more generalist positions. Between 2009 and 2013 there has been a 90% reduction in the state-funded nutrition prevention workforce. The existing reduced workforce is now dispersed across a range of organisations. Areas of workforce growth such as Medicare Locals tend to attract less experienced practitioners (50% had ≤ 5years’ experience). These changes present challenges for the co-ordination and communication of nutrition work and equity and access of service delivery. This research highlights the need for adaptability of the public health and community nutrition workforce. These issues require consideration by the profession.