Estimation of Human Resource Needs And Cost of Adding Registered Dietitians To Primary Care Networks

摘要

Purpose: Information on human resources and costs is needed to plan for the addition of registered dietitian (RD) sendees to new models of primary health care (PHC). Estimates were developed, based on an analysis of an enhanced RD model of counsellingand health promotion services in three Ontario Family Health Networks (FHNs). Methods: Both direct and indirect costs were averaged over the three FHNs. Costs and RD activities were tracked throughout 2005. The FHN staff completed two questionnaires addressing communication, case management, and satisfaction with RD services. Results: Actual and reported case management indicated that an estimated 1.3% to 2.4% of the 60,000 enrolled patients may require individual nutrition counselling in a year. If one full-time equivalent (FTE) RD can manage 380 new referrals, then one FTE RD is needed per 15,800 to 29,000 patients. The estimated direct costs of adding one FTE RD (including expenses and fixed costs) is 78 dollar,169 to 80 dollar,169, when the RD isan independent contractor. Conclusions: Additional studies are needed to develop better estimates of human resource needs and costs of interdisciplinary nutrition services in all PHC settings. These estimates should be based on population characteristicsand direct and indirect costs for all models of nutrition services in PHC settings.