Abstract
ObjectiveThis study explored dietetic interns’ perceptions and knowledge of evidence-based practice (EBP), their use and observation of EBP principles during their clinical rotations, and their intentions to use EBP in their careers.MethodsA mixed methods design combining a survey and focus group was employed. Dietetic interns (n=16) from a large Midwestern university were recruited in person and via email to participate in the survey, focus group, or both. Perceptions and experiences of EBP were analyzed through the focus group (qualitative), and EBP knowledge and clinical practice behaviors were analyzed through the survey (quantitative). The focus group discussion was recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsFour major themes emerged from the focus group data: (1) observations of EBP in clinical practice, (2) use of EBP during clinical rotations, (3) barriers to EBP, and (4) perceived use of EBP as future registered dietitians. Interns considered EBP important for their profession and future careers. They struggled, however, with the discrepancies between current research and practice, and highlighted differences that they observed and barriers that they experienced across different clinical settings.ConclusionsThis exploratory study is the first to examine dietetic interns’ perceptions of and experiences with EBP in the clinical setting. Future research is needed to identify how dietetics educators, librarians, and preceptors can address the barriers that interns perceive in applying EBP in their internships.
Highlights
Nutrition and dietetics is one of many health care fields to recognize the importance of evidence-based practice (EBP) in supporting clinical decision making [1]
Dietetic interns (n=16) from a large Midwestern university were recruited in person by a health sciences librarian and via email to participate in an anonymous survey, a focus group, or both
There are just different ways of doing things. These findings are consistent with the survey results, where 72% (n=10) of the interns indicated “I intend to incorporate EBP in my future job” (Figure 1). In this mixed method study, dietetic interns discussed the significance of EBP in their clinical rotations and to their future careers
Summary
Nutrition and dietetics is one of many health care fields to recognize the importance of evidence-based practice (EBP) in supporting clinical decision making [1]. Described as a core competency of dietetics, EBP can assist registered dietitians (RDs) in bridging the gap between research and practice, improving quality of care and performance of health professionals, and obtaining reimbursement for services [1, 3]. To support RDs’ use of EBP, many resources have been developed, including EBP guidelines [4], a library of pre-appraised nutrition evidence [5], and continuing education classes [6]. Surveys report that RDs use EBP resources less than once per month and rely on colleagues, websites, and continuing education resources for information [10, 11]. Barriers to EBP include lack of time, training, and mentors [10]
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