Nutrition Education in Health Professions Programs: A Survey of Dental, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, and Nurse Midwifery Programs

Abstract

Objective This study determined the perceived needs and curriculum recommendations for nutrition education, and expected competencies in nutrition of graduates, of predoctoral dental, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, and midwifery programs. Subjects Surveys were mailed to all dental schools (n=54) and physician assistant (n=95), nurse practitioner (n=150), and certified nurse midwifery programs (n=42) in the United States. Surveys were addressed to the program directors of physician assistant, nurse practitioner, and certified nurse midwifery programs and the associate or assistant dean of academic affairs of dental schools. Design A 4-page survey was designed and pilot-tested. The survey included questions on respondents perceptions of and recommendations for their programs in nutrition education and expected nutrition competence level of their graduates. A reminder postcard was mailed 2 weeks after the initial mailing to nonrespondents; a second survey was mailed to non-respondents 1 month after the postcard mailing. Statistical analyses Data were analyzed using JMP-IN software. Frequencies, and χ 2 analyses, Wilcoxon rank sum test, Pearson χ 2 test. Results The overall response rate was 80.7% (n=276). Perceived needs for competence in nutrition varied by respondents. Most of the physician assistant nurse midwifery, and nurse practitioner program directors had similar perceptions of graduates' competence in nutrition. Dental school academic administrators differed significantly from the program directors about the perceived need for knowing how to counsel on a modified diet and how and when to refer to a registered dietitian. Time was the most important factor that would enhance provision of nutrition education in the programs. Computer-based programs were the most frequently requested education tool to enhance nutrition education. Applications/conclusions The disciplines agreed that graduates of dental schools and physician assistant, nurse practitioner, and nurse midwifery programs need some level of competence in nutrition relative to their discipline. Registered dietitians involved in health professions education can play an active role in developing practice-based, time-sensitive, and flexible strategies for nutrition education of these health professions groups. J Am Diet Assoc. 2001; 101: 63-69.