Evaluation of the Ohsu/Vamc Dietetic Internship Program in Preparing Graduates for Entry Level Dietetic Practice

Abstract

Design: A questionnaire was developed to survey graduates of the program and their first employers to see if The American Dietetic Association (ADA) performance requirements and the program outcome goals were achieved by the graduates. The questionnaire used adjectival descriptors of performance (i.e. superior, strong, average, weak). Additional general and demographic information was requested from the graduates when being surveyed, and permission to contact employers was requested.Subjects: Graduates of internship classes from the past 6 years (1989–1994) and their first employers were surveyed.Statistical Analysis: SAS software was used for statistical analysis of data. Descriptive statistics were compiled on graduate responses. Chi Square tests were run comparing entry level dietitians (<3 yrs. in practice) and beyond entry-level dietitians (>3 yrs.) for all performance requirements and outcome goals. A Wilcoxon assigned rank test was used to compare graduate responses to their first employers responses.Results: Graduate response rate of 80% included 48 usable questionnaires. Permission to survey first employers was granted by 52% of the graduates. Employer response rate was 88%. Significant differences (P<0.05) between entry level and beyond entry level graduate responses were found in ability to accurately complete nutrition assessment and ability to work independently and as a team member. Employees consistently rated graduates at the same or higher level than graduates rated themselves. Five performance requirements were rated average by graduates.Conclusion: Overall ratings showed that the graduates rated themselves with a strong level of competence in the performance requirements and outcome goals.