Simulation-Based Training for Nutrition-Focused Physical Exams and Malnutrition Diagnosis for Rural Preceptors.

Area of Science:

• Dietetics and Nutrition Science
• Medical Education
• Public Health

Background:

• Malnutrition poses a significant health burden, particularly in rural areas with limited healthcare access.
• Underdiagnosis of malnutrition is a critical issue in rural communities.
• Nutrition-focused Physical Exam (NFPE) is essential for identifying malnutrition within the nutrition care process (NCP).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of simulation-based training on rural nutrition preceptors' self-efficacy in performing and evaluating Nutrition-focused Physical Exams (NFPEs).
• To enhance the ability of preceptors to identify malnutrition in patients and assess student competency using the Nutrition Specific Physical Exam Competency Tool (INSPECT).

Main Methods:

• Rural nutrition preceptors participated in didactic and simulation-based training on NFPEs and the INSPECT tool.
• Training involved role-playing scenarios where participants practiced NFPEs and competency evaluation.
• Pre- and post-intervention surveys measured changes in self-efficacy regarding NFPEs and student evaluation.

Main Results:

• Simulation training significantly improved preceptors' self-efficacy in conducting NFPEs and evaluating student competence (Cohen's d > 1.0, p < 0.05).
• Participants reported intentions to increase NFPE utilization in their nutrition assessments.
• The interactive INSPECT tool aided in practicing competency evaluation during simulations.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based training effectively boosts preceptor self-efficacy in NFPEs and student assessment.
• Implementing such training programs can enhance malnutrition diagnosis in rural settings.
• Further expansion of this training holds potential to address malnutrition disparities in underserved populations.