Abstract
Objective: To examine the job satisfaction of registered dietitians (RDs) working in hospitals and the factors related to the same.
Methods: Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to RDs working in hospitals in Fukuoka Prefecture in October 2011. The questionnaire included an open-ended question to collect qualitative data. Univariate and multiple regression analyses were used to identify factors influencing the job satisfaction of the RDs. Additionally, thematic analysis was used to code the qualitative data.
Results: The median score for job satisfaction was 62.0/100 points (25~75th percentile: 50~76). In the univariate analysis, the following factors were revealed to be significantly associated with job satisfaction: age (p = 0.008), self-evaluations of communication with patients (p = 0.001), communication with other medical staff, communication with RD colleagues, abilities related to methods of supplying nutrients, ability to perform nutrition counselling, and ability to participate in a team approach to medicine (all p <0.001). A multiple regression analysis with these factors revealed that self-evaluations of communication with RD colleagues had the most influence on job satisfaction (β = 0.247, p <0.001). Analysis of the qualitative data suggested that positive communication with RD colleagues supported communication with other medical staff, as well as that with patients.
Conclusion: This study identified several factors that influence the job satisfaction of RDs working in hospitals, the most influential of which was the self-evaluation of communication with RD colleagues.
