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The professional development portfolio process: setting goals for credentialing
Dian O Weddle1, Susan P Himburg, Nancy Collins
1Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, Florida International University, Miami 33199, USA.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|October 25, 2002
Summary
Dietitians are not fully utilizing critical components like reflection, self-assessment, and goal setting for their Professional Development Portfolio (PDP). However, with support, practitioners can develop these essential professional development skills.
Area of Science:
- Dietetics
- Professional Development
- Continuing Education
Background:
- The Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) is a new credentialing system for dietetics professionals.
- It emphasizes individual practitioner responsibility for learning, career direction, and professional growth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess whether dietitians engage in reflection, self-assessment, and goal setting.
- These are critical components required for PDP recertification.
Main Methods:
- Questionnaires and focus group interviews were used.
- 132 dietitians participated in 16 focus groups.
- Content analysis was performed on the collected data.
Main Results:
- Only 42% of subjects engaged in informal reflection.
- 41% performed annual self-assessments.
- 25% reported setting goals, influenced by job market, new practice areas, and personal factors.
Conclusions:
- Few dietitians currently practice the core components of the PDP.
- Practitioners can acquire necessary skills with the PDP Guide.
- Recommendations include dedicated time for reflection, developing mission statements, and using effectiveness criteria for goals.