Training health professionals: a multidisciplinary team approach in a university-based weight-loss program

In a university-based weight-loss program for preadolescent girls, a multidisciplinary team delivered the intervention. The team included a nurse/health educator, an exercise physiologist, a psychologist, five dietitians, and 17 dietetics, nursing, and medical students, The six-month program provided 12 educational sessions in nutrition, stress management, behavior modification, and exercise. Concurrent sessions for parents addressed comparable educational topics and parenting skills. Dietitians and student research assistants (n = 19) were surveyed regarding their participation on a multidisciplinary team and their acquisition of new knowledge/skills. The survey included both open-ended questions and Likert-type statements. Results indicate that participation enhanced knowledge of nutrition counseling/education (chi = 1.6) as well as appreciation for research (chi = 1.8) and for the multidisciplinary team approach (chi = 1.7). Qualitative data reinforce the benefits of the multidisciplinary experience and multiskill training. Exercise, stress management, parenting skills, and psychological techniques were perceived as important skills to develop for professional careers.