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Short-term effectiveness of an outcomes research training curriculum within a coordinated program
Catherine A Peterson1, Janet E Hays-Kimmons, James S Cole
1Dietetics Program, Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211, USA. petersonca@missouri.edu
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|December 25, 2007
Summary
Dietetics education programs show improved outcomes research skills after curriculum updates. Graduates trained at the University of Missouri-Columbia demonstrated enhanced attitudes and interest in research compared to peers.
Area of Science:
- Dietetics Education
- Outcomes Research Training
- Curriculum Development
Background:
- The Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education mandated outcomes research training in its fourth edition standards.
- The University of Missouri-Columbia's Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP) curriculum exceeds these minimum training requirements.
- Assessing the short-term effectiveness of this enhanced curriculum is crucial for program development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the short-term (<5 years) effectiveness of the University of Missouri-Columbia's CP outcomes research training curriculum.
- To compare the research-related skills of graduates trained under the new curriculum with those trained under earlier standards and graduates from other CPs.
- To identify specific areas of improvement in research competencies among dietetics professionals.
Main Methods:
- A survey tool was administered to University of Missouri-Columbia CP graduates from different educational periods (pre- and post-fourth edition standards).
- Graduates from two other university CPs during the same years were included as a comparative group.
- The survey assessed attitudes, interest, participation, and knowledge related to outcomes research skills.
Main Results:
- Graduates trained after the fourth edition standards implementation showed improved attitudes, interest, and participation in outcomes research skills compared to earlier graduates.
- Knowledge improvement was only slight among these graduates.
- Enhancements in attitudes and interest were more pronounced in University of Missouri-Columbia graduates compared to graduates from other CPs.
Conclusions:
- The University of Missouri-Columbia's outcomes research curriculum effectively enhanced graduates' attitudes and interest in research.
- Findings can inform the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education and program directors in developing research competencies.
- Programmatic adjustments can strengthen dietetics education and research training.