Change in Knowledge Scores Among Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Preceptors Following an In-Person or Virtual One-Day Nutrition-Focused Physical Examination Training

Abstract

Describe how to increase Registered Dietitian Nutritionist preceptors' knowledge in nutrition-focused physical examination Nutrition-focused physical examination (NFPE) is an essential component of the nutrition care process. Dietetics and nutrition students training to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDN) need mentoring in the conduct of NFPE in the clinical setting by RDN preceptors. This study explored RDN preceptors’ changes in knowledge following a one-day NFPE workshop and differences in knowledge based on training platform (in-person versus virtual) and between those who had/had no prior NFPE training. RDN preceptors for a future education model graduate degree program completed a one-day NFPE workshop; a 50-item multiple-choice test was administered pre- and post-training. NFPE knowledge change from pre- to post-test was analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Differences in knowledge changes between in-person and virtual training platforms and those with or without prior NFPE training were analyzed by independent samples t-tests. Pre- and post-tests were completed by (n=111) RDN preceptors. Sixty-three percent (n = 70) of the preceptors were trained in-person; 68% (n=73) reported prior NFPE training. A statistically significant 8-point median increase in knowledge scores from pre-(median score=36.0) to post-test (median score=44.0) (p < 0.001) was found. There were no significant differences in mean score changes based on training platform (p=0.451) or prior NFPE training (p=0.816). RDN preceptors’ NFPE knowledge scores significantly increased after a one-day NFPE workshop independent of prior NFPE training or training platform used. Training preceptors in NFPE is necessary to assist with mentoring students to conduct NFPE in the clinical setting.