Assessing Practice Nurses' change in nutrition knowledge following training from a Primary Care Dietitian

Abstract

The expanding role of the Primary Health Care Team (PHCT) has led to more opportuni ties to offer dietary advice to patients. However, members of the PHCT appear to lack nutritional knowledge and confidence when giving dietary advice. This work assesses the changes in Practice Nurses' (PNs) nutrition knowledge and confidence when giving dietary advice to patients, following training from a dietitian. Base line nutrition knowledge of PNs and their confidence when giving dietary advice was assessed in 30 GP Practices by ques tionnaire. Following Practice-based training from a dietitian, change in knowledge and con fidence was assessed using the same questionnaire. Paired and unpaired analysis was carried out on the PN's knowledge and confidence scores respectively. Nutrition knowledge increased significantly after training. The mean difference (95% confidence interval) pre- and post-training was 11.6 (7.8, 15.4). After training 88% of PNs reported having good or excellent confidence compared with 27% before training (chi-squared test p<0.001). Nutrition training from a dietitian improves nutrition knowledge of PNs. It also improves their confidence and is recommended to support their role in providing accurate and con sistent dietary advice to patients.

Keywords

Dietitian confidence nutrition knowledge nutrition training Practice Nurse

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