| Increased competency of registered dietitian nutritionists in physical examination skills after simulation-based education in the United States |
Elizabeth L. MacQuillan 
, Jennifer Ford
, Kristin Baird
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Department of Allied Health Sciences, College of Health Professions, Grand Valley State University, Allendale, MI, USA |
Correspondence
Elizabeth L. MacQuillan ,Email: macquile@gvsu.edu
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Editor:
Sun Huh, Hallym University, Korea |
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Submitted: November 5, 2020 Accepted after revision: December 12, 2020 |
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| Abstract |
Purpose
This study aimed to translate simulation-based dietitian nutritionist education to clinical competency attainment in a group of practicing registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). Using a standardized instrument to measure performance on a newly-required clinical skill, the nutrition-focused physical exam (NFPE), competence was measured both before and after a simulation-based education (SBE) session.
Methods
Eighteen practicing RDNs were recruited by their employer, Spectrum Health. Following a pre-briefing session, participants completed an initial 10-minute encounter, performing NFPE on a standardized patient (SP). Next, participants completed a 90-minute SBE training session on skills within the NFPE, including hands-on practice and role play, followed by a post-training SP encounter. Video recordings of the SP encounters were scored to assess competence in 7 skill areas within the NFPE. Scores were analyzed for participants’ initial competence and change in competence.
Results
The proportions of participants with initial competence ranged from 0% to 44% across the 7 skill areas assessed. The only competency where participants initially scored in the “meets expectations” range was “approach to the patient.” When raw competence scores were assessed for changes from pre- to post-SBE training, the paired t-test indicated significant increases in all 7 competency areas following the simulation-based training (P<0.001).
Conclusion
This study showed the effectiveness of a SBE training program for increasing competence scores of practicing RDNs on a defined clinical skill. |
| Keywords:
Clinical competence; Motivation; Nutritionists; Physical examination; United States |
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