DIETS Conference, 25-26 September 2008 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Aim of the DIETS Conference

The central theme of the Conference was quality in placement learning and brought together 105 campus-based Dietitian educators and practice placement Dietitian trainers from across Europe.

Questions about what ‘quality’ is and how to ensure a quality service is for students, their academic lecturers and practice placement trainers, and for patients/clients was the key debate at the 2nd DIETS Conference. Discussion of such areas as quality, assessment and the educational needs of students and those who supervise them on placement was lively and informative. Each session was followed by an interactive workshop, which using consensus methodology, determined important indicators of best practice in dietetic education, valuable preparations for placement learning and useful methods to achieve the best from practice placement learning. The final four workshops concentrated on a number of controversial issues including ‘Dietitians as a brand - what public relations do we need?’, ‘Identifying new opportunities for European dietitians through active participation in the development of EU directives’, ‘Where will dietitians be working in 10 years time?’ and ‘What is dietetic (practice) research?’

The Conference provided an opportunity to present information about the activities of the DIETS Network partners.

Background information on DIETS

DIETS (Dietitians Improving the Education and Training Standards) was launched in October 2006 and is led by the University of Plymouth. EPHA is a member of the network. DIETS builds on the excellent foundations which the European Federation of Associations of Dietitians (EFAD) established through their initiatives in education, such as developing the European Benchmark Statement for Dietitians.

DIETS aims to encourage regular contact between its members through its web-site, newsletters, meetings and conferences.