Factors influencing nutrition care process and nutrition care process terminology implementation among United States dietetics educators and preceptors

Objective Identify variables associated with Nutrition Care Process (NCP) and Terminology (NCPT) implementation among United States dietetics educators and preceptors using an online survey. Methods The survey was developed using validated tools and distributed via email using a university-hosted Qualtrics platform. Participants were recruited through a mixed sampling strategy including randomized outreach, voluntary participation, and snowball sampling. Data were screened for incomplete responses and outliers prior to inferential analyses. Relationships between relevant variables and implementation intention were analyzed using tests selected based on parametric assumptions. Results Of 266 responses, 104 were excluded due to declining consent (2), ineligibility (96), or survey noncompletion (6), yielding a final sample of 162 participants: 89 educators (55%), 52 preceptors (32%), and 21 educator–preceptors (13%). Level of education, χ 2 (2) = 18.26, p < 0.001, V = 0.337; Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics membership, χ 2 (1) = 10.18, p < 0.001, φ = 0.251; perceived NCP competency, χ 2 (3) = 30.84, p < 0.001, V = 0.438; measured proficiency score (PS), U = 1998.5, p < 0.004, r = 0.228; and mean attitude score (MAS), U = 2013.5, p < 0.005, r = 0.221, were significantly associated with NCP/T implementation. Conclusion Attitude, perceived competency, assessed proficiency, education level, and Academy membership were significantly associated with NCP/T implementation, demonstrating small-to-medium effects. Although not statistically significant, preceptors showed lower implementation rates and significantly lower MAS and PS than educators. Educators and preceptors working in outpatient settings may be particularly vulnerable to implementation barriers, highlighting the need for targeted support to promote consistent, evidence-informed NCP/T use.