Abstract
BackgroundMany food allergy guidelines have been published worldwide over recent years. The United Kingdom National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines and The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health food allergy care pathways require dietitians to assist with the diagnosis and management of food allergies, which highlighted the need for further education of dietitians to meet these competencies. The aim of this study was to design a competence based one day education course for dietitians on the diagnosis and management of cow’s milk protein allergy in infants and children.MethodsA one day training course was developed. Dietitians’ knowledge was assessed via multiple choice questions before and on the day of the course and retention of knowledge was assessed one month after the course. Pre course reading was given once the first assessment was completed.ResultsThirty seven dietitians attended the course and 32 completed all three assessments. A significant improvement in assessment scores was seen between the pre course and on the day assessments of 7.2% (p < 0.001) and between pre course and post course assessments of 8.9% (p < 0.001). In delegates who rated their perceived level of knowledge as high, a significant increase was seen between pre course and on the day and between pre course and post course (both p < 0.001). Actual increase in knowledge was seen alongside a significant increase in high rating of perceived level of confidence between pre course and on the day and between pre course and post course (both p < 0.001).ConclusionsEducating dietitians using the format of one day teaching with pre and post course assessment has improved both knowledge and competencies in the diagnosis and management of cow’s milk protein allergy. Further courses in other areas of food allergy could be developed using this approach within the UK and worldwide.
Highlights
Many food allergy guidelines have been published worldwide over recent years
Child Health (RCPCH) in the United Kingdom (UK) followed up the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guideline with allergy care pathways for children on the diagnostic process, and on management with defined competencies [6]
Both these UK guideline documents recommend that health professionals, including dietitians, meet competencies in order to identify food allergies and provide optimal management strategies
Summary
The United Kingdom National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines and The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health food allergy care pathways require dietitians to assist with the diagnosis and management of food allergies, which highlighted the need for further education of dietitians to meet these competencies. Child Health (RCPCH) in the UK followed up the NICE guideline with allergy care pathways for children on the diagnostic process, and on management with defined competencies [6]. Both these UK guideline documents recommend that health professionals, including dietitians, meet competencies in order to identify food allergies and provide optimal management strategies. Adequate allergy training for dietitians is vital for the effective management of the CMPA patient
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