Strategies for Restructuring Dietetics Education Programs to Improve Nutrition Equity in Indigenous Populations: A Narrative Review.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Particularly in racially and ethnically diverse countries, the necessity of providing individualized care to people seeking diet advice is increasingly recognized and embedded in practice guidelines. Some jurisdictions have a history of colonization with subjugation and marginalization of the Indigenous population, which has led to serious health inequities. One overarching strategy to reduce health inequities is to provide education through a decolonizing lens, so that graduate healthcare professionals, such as dietitians, have a better understanding of how to mitigate colonial attitudes, racism, stereotyping and other behaviours, thereby improving health equity. This review aims to summarize and evaluate educational strategies to decolonize dietetics training programs.

METHODS

A narrative review was conducted.

RESULTS

Professional dietetics organizations in Canada, Australia and New Zealand have incorporated Indigenous-specific outcomes into their standards of practice. Six primary research studies were reviewed, two each from Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The strategies developed include reviewing curriculum content, providing experiential learning opportunities and identifying barriers to the participation of Indigenous students in dietetics programs. Lack of engagement of Indigenous persons in curriculum development, planning and evaluation of efforts is a gap that needs to be addressed.

CONCLUSIONS

Meeting practice standards and closing the health equity gap for Indigenous peoples require additional research and implementation into practice.