A study of cost-effective and value of the dietetic internship program at the hospital setting

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The value of the dietetic internship program at Saint Francis Medical Center was determined using six standard institutional criteria. They are: institution mission value, quality standard, financial measures, cost-effective and efficient operation status, community image/market position and community support. How the program complies with the criteria was analyzed and justified. As a result of the study, the Saint Francis Dietetic Internship Program is compatible with the institution mission value and high incidence of quality outcomes; provides extra flexible manpower for employee education, patient nutritional care, food service management functions and community services; and increased the visibility of the medical center. The internship program is an important factor in challenging and supporting the changes of the Food and Nutrition Services and also adds an essential element in the institution's educational plans. The program supports staff recruitment for the medical center, either from our own graduates or those from outside the state who are looking for challenging positions in teaching dietetics. The operational budget was able to cover expenses in a cost-effective and efficient manner. With proper planning of the curriculum, a systematic management approach, individualized experience content and the scheduling process, the program is able to meet the institution value standards and has been approved by the value committee without reservation.