Training 1,200 dietitians: An evaluation of a training course for non-specialist dietitians on the management of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency

Abstract

Summary: Background: Concurrent with its evolution as medical and surgical sub-speciality, pancreatic disease is now recognised as a speciality within dietetics. Recent national guidelines have highlighted the importance of nutritional assessment and intervention in both pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis, but there is a lack of timely and appropriate nutritional support for many patients with pancreatic disease. Methods: The Nutrition Interest Group of the Pancreatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland developed a training course for non-specialist dietitians in 2014. Improvement in knowledge was assessed using questionnaires carried out before and after the training course, and results assessed against pre-agreed targets. Comprehensive evaluation of each aspect of the course was collated. Results: Over four years, 1,215 dietitians attended the course in 32 different locations throughout the United Kingdom. Eight three percent completed knowledge questionnaires before and after the course. There was a significant improvement in test scores (22.2 ± 5.3 vs. 35.8 ± 4.0, P<0.0001), with 94% of delegates achieving the target score for non-specialists. The course was well evaluated with 98% of all markers graded as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. Conclusions: Targeted educational initiatives delivered outside of normal working hours are an effective means of training and educating a large number of health care professionals over a large geographical area within a short timeframe.

Keywords

• Dietetics
• Training
• Continuing professional development