ADA report
Challenging the future: Impact of information technology on dietetics practice, education, and research

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Abstract

As we look at our nation's drive for technological superiority, global interdependence, major demographic shifts, and changes in consumer values and expectations, it is obvious that these changes will have a profound effect on our profession. Our leaders must be direction setters, change agents, and mentors in helping our members understand the importance of becoming part of this information and technological revolution. Because people often cling to the security of the past, leaders will have to possess the ability to convince others that there is a need for change. We must assume the risks related to making today's critical decisions about the role of infotech to the future of our profession. As individual members and leaders, we must not deny the reality of the technology challenge

Section snippets

WHAT IS INFOTECH?

In a recent article, Simon (1) described three major forces that are accelerating the advancement of the information age. First, the federal government supports the movement; it is a priority of the Clinton Administration. Simon quotes the administration's national goal from Putting People First, by Bill Clinton and Al Gore: “To create a door-to-door (high performance) information network to link every home, business, lab, classroom, and library by the year 2015 [and] to put public records,

HOW WILL INFOTECH AFFECT DIETETICS PROFESSIONALS?

Infotech will affect members of our profession in two important ways. First, it will be a major tool to enhance the level at which we practice our profession. Personal computers, expert systems, and robots will eliminate many of the routine functions we currently perform, such as recording care plans. When we no longer have to spend so much time on routine functions, we will have more opportunities to become full partners on medical, executive, and consumer teams.

Second, infotech will be

TRENDS SUPPORTING THE INFOTECH MOVEMENT

A number of trends will accelerate the movement of our society into the information age. Five trends in particular will have a major impact on reshaping the dietetics profession: information generation and management; a multicultural, global economy; the demographic profile of our client base; career transitions and workplace changes; and the convergence of work, home, school, and leisure activities.

IMPLICATIONS

Clearly, the enormous expansion of infotech will have a profound impact on our personal and professional lives. Abraham Lincoln once said, “If we could first know where we are and whither we are tending, we could better judge what to do and how to do it.” A look at how infotech will affect specific areas of our profession—practice, education, and research—will show us where we are, what is important in shaping our profession's future role, and how to address the leadership challenges of the

References (9)

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    Jump-starting the information age

    At Home With Consumers

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    The Futurist

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  • J Ryan

    Distance education: an emerging paradigm for teaching and learning

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    Am Demographics

    (1993)
There are more references available in the full text version of this article.

Cited by (4)

  • Computer-based simulations enhance clinical experience of dietetics interns

    2000, Journal of the American Dietetic Association
  • Concept Mapping. An Effective Instructional Strategy for Diet Therapy

    1995, Journal of the American Dietetic Association
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