Continuing medical education in clinical nutrition

To achieve better promotion and acceptance of clinical nutrition at all levels of public and medical education requires involvement in educational services based on sound educational theory and practice. Adult learning theory has established principles that support effective learning which, in turn, influence people's attitudes and behaviour. Application of these principles in Continuing Medical Education implies that as much emphasis must be placed on the educational skills necessary to produce self-directed lifelong learners as on clinical content. This article presents guidelines to assist in the planning and implementation of activities in clinical nutrition, and offers illustrative examples from other disciplines.