Staff training for a food policy,with built-in evaluation

Abstract

TRAINING groups on basic nutrition were held for nursing staff as part of the implementation of a dis trict food policy. A quiz-based method was piloted, with built-in evaluation, and in accordance with established educational principles. It was designed to challenge people's pre-existing beliefs concerning food and health, in order to overturn widespread myths and to clear up people's confusions. The initial mean score was 8.4, out of a possible total of 15. An hour's presentation was then given which included a visual display and a lively discussion of the material presented. The scores in the same quiz repeated two to four weeks later showed a mean improvement of at least 3.7. This method of teaching is highly effective, economical in staff time and enjoyable, and it can be used to monitor the effectiveness of training. It is therefore recommended for wider use.