Perception of care ethics in the professional practice of a nutritionists

Abstract

Introduction: Care ethics has been a scarcely explored topic in the field of nutrition practice. This profession has included ethics in its curriculum, and practitioners adhere to their deontological codes in their work. Identifying care ethics in the professional practice of nutritionists is relevant when one understands the nature of care and its constituent elements. Objective: To explore the perception of care ethics in nutrition practice. Methodology: Qualitative research using a focus group interview with 8 nutritionists practicing in hospitals, food services, and private practice. Results: Four categories emerged: i) Recognition of care ethics in daily practice, ii) Perception of care ethics in the profession, iii) Practical application of care ethics in their activities, iv) The need for theoretical elements to apply it. The analysis suggests that care ethics serves as a reference for the care relationship in their practice. Conclusions: Reflecting on this ethics from its own purpose highlights that nutritionists have a commitment to holistic care beyond technique, although they can identify it, their perception is imprecise.