54 Number 2 June 1997

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Dietetics as everyday practice: an approach to research Linda Tapsell Abstract Although investigations into the outcomes of dietetic practice are well developed, the way in which dietitians conduct their practice has received little attention in research. This paper proposes an approach which uses sociological methods to better inform practice. In particular, ethnomethodolgy is presented as providing a certain view of the social order, and within ethnomethodology, the discipline of conversation analysis is introduced. Conversation analysis (CA) can provide a highly detailed analysis of interactions involving dietitians, the results of which would have direct implications for practice. Reference to CA studies within the health care context would throw light on issues which may be of particular interest to dietitians. A study of dietetics as everyday practice is proposed to inform modes of communication and to broaden the knowledge of practitioners in terms of the social world in which they participate. (Aust J Nutr Diet 1997;54:82–87).