Multiskilling: a course to increase multidisciplinary skills in future dietetics professionals

Area of Science:

• Allied Health Education
• Dietetics Curriculum Development
• Interprofessional Healthcare Training

Background:

• Multiskilling, or cross-training, is crucial for developing proficient healthcare practitioners.
• Dietetics students require exposure to diverse health-related skills for comprehensive practice.
• Enhancing awareness of allied health professions is vital for effective interprofessional collaboration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a multiskilling course designed for dietetics students.
• To increase students' awareness of diverse health-related skills.
• To enhance students' ability to develop new skills for future practice.

Main Methods:

• A multiskilling course was developed and implemented for dietetics students.
• Allied health professionals delivered lectures and demonstrations on various skills.
• Course content included cardiopulmonary resuscitation, stress management, dysphagia evaluation, adaptive feeding devices, exercise testing, vital signs monitoring, and multi-department management.

Main Results:

• Student evaluation surveys (n=12) yielded extremely positive results (mean rating 1.07/4).
• The course was perceived as containing appropriate information, assignments, and evaluation mechanisms.
• Preliminary evidence suggests a didactic experience enhances awareness of other allied health professions.

Conclusions:

• Multiskilling courses can effectively broaden dietetics students' understanding of allied health roles.
• Hands-on activities in multiskilling courses increase student confidence in healthcare team functioning.
• This educational approach prepares students to be effective members and leaders in healthcare teams.