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Diabetes training for dietitians: needs assessment, program description, and effects on knowledge and problem
R A Lorenz1, R P Gregory, D L Davis
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, IL 61637, USA.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|February 12, 2000
Summary
New training for dietitians on diabetes mellitus management is effective. The Sugar is Not a Poison (SNAP) program significantly improved knowledge and problem-solving skills, enhancing patient care.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Dietetics
- Medical Nutrition Therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus Management
Background:
- Evolving management and medical nutrition therapy for diabetes mellitus necessitate updated dietitian training.
- A formal needs assessment identified specific educational gaps for practicing dietitians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and evaluate a training program addressing the need for updated dietitian knowledge in diabetes management.
- To introduce the "Sugar is Not a Poison (SNAP)" program and assess its effectiveness.
Main Methods:
- A multidisciplinary team utilized a formal needs-assessment process.
- Developed a 2 1/2-day training program incorporating written materials, didactic presentations, and simulated patient encounters.
- Administered pre- and post-tests to evaluate knowledge and problem-solving skills.
Main Results:
- High participant satisfaction reported.
- Significant improvement in mean knowledge and problem-solving scores from 69% to 86% (P < 0.01).
- The SNAP program effectively met its 12 learning objectives.
Conclusions:
- The SNAP program successfully enhances dietitian competency in diabetes mellitus management.
- The program's needs assessment, training methods, and evaluation are applicable to broader clinical dietetics education.
- This training is vital for dietitians adapting to modern diabetes care standards.