Database of Health Workforce Innovations

Dieticians are encouraged to provide virtual services during the pandemic.
The DC Employee Health Benefits Advocacy advisory committee continues to work on making employers and
the public aware that dietitians can work with clients virtually and that dietitian services are covered under
most employee health benefit plans. During the pandemic, the committee wants to ensure that this message
gets amplified and support private practice dietitians who are small business owners and have had their
income affected by COVID-19.
Here are some recent actions:
- Virtual practice feature added to the Find a Dietitian database
Coming soon to the Find a Dietitian database will be “virtual” and “in person” indicators to help users quickly
identify the kinds of services available from each practitioner. In the meantime, we have added messaging to
remind users that virtual appointments are often available.
- Social Media toolkit to support private practice dietitians during COVID-19
DC has put together a social media toolkit for dietitians who want to remind Canadians that dietitians are
available to see clients virtually. The toolkit includes 10 different graphics along with standard messages that
you can share to your own channels as is, or modify to suit your audience and voice.
- Dietitian supports on the Telus Health eClaims platform
- Public promotion of virtual services on DC channels and through networks
New messages about virtual services and using the Find a Dietitian database have been added to the most
popular articles on UnlockFood.ca. The DC Media Network will include messages about virtual practice during
interviews. DC social media channels frequently promote the services of private practice dietitians.