How technology has revolutionised the diverse world of dietetics, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, is just one topic dietitians will be making a noise about this Dietitians Week.

Beginning today, Accredited Practising Dietitians (APDs) are celebrating Dietitians Week and the role they play in building healthier communities.

A key topic of conversation will be the call to make telehealth for dietitians a permanent feature of healthcare. This comes as the Australian Government extended the temporary COVID-19 telehealth item numbers (which were due to expire at the end of the month) until 30 June 2021.

“Some patient groups have had a 300% uptake in dietetic services since the pandemic. The on-going impacts of COVID-19 aren’t going to disappear overnight, so it’s important that we have services like telehealth available for all Australians,” said Tara Diversi, APD and President of Dietitians Australia.

“Dietitians are communicators, translating nutrition science into practical and useful information for their clients. Permanent telehealth access would ensure Australians have a convenient and clinically effective way to access nutrition care.”

Embracing technology has revolutionised the way the profession delivers services. From using telehealth to see patients, through to delivering online workplace training, university courses and wellness seminars, dietitians have embraced the digital world.

The importance of technology is clear in our ‘I’m a Dietitian’ podcasts, released each day this week. Hosted by Tara, she chats with a range of dietitians about their career journey.

“Today we’ll hear from Sydney-based dietitian, Robbie Clark. As the recipient of the Dietitians Australia 2020 President’s Award for Innovation, he shares how he is leading the way in providing a platform for telehealth appointments and practice management software,” said Tara.Medi

“Throughout this week we’ll hear about delivering education and training online from Wendy StuartSmith, career mentor and university lecturer, and Julie Dundon, one of our Aged Care Subject Matter leads. Dietitian entrepreneur and author Kali Gray will step us through her career and tips to avoid burnout – vital in today’s online world.”

This will lead up to Dietitians Day on Friday 26 March as we hear from Laureate Professor Clare Collins, Fellow of Dietitians Australia and the most cited dietitian in the world.

“Dietitians Day will see us celebrate the many extra-ordinary dietitians who make up our profession. Whether you know a dietitian or work with one – we’d like for you to join us in acknowledging the great work they do,” said Tara.

Find out more about Dietitians Week by contacting your local Accredited Practising Dietitian and follow the hashtags #DietitiansWeek2021 and #MakeNoiseforAPDs