Training 1,200 dietitians: An evaluation of a training course for non-specialist dietitians on the management of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency

Abstract

<h2>Summary</h2><h3>Background</h3> Concurrent with its evolution as medical and surgical sub-speciality, pancreatic disease is now recognised as a speciality within dietetics. Recent national guidelines have highlighted the importance of nutritional assessment and intervention in both pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis, but there is a lack of timely and appropriate nutritional support for many patients with pancreatic disease. <h3>Methods</h3> The Nutrition Interest Group of the Pancreatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland developed a training course for non-specialist dietitians in 2014. Improvement in knowledge was assessed using questionnaires carried out before and after the training course, and results assessed against pre-agreed targets. Comprehensive evaluation of each aspect of the course was collated. <h3>Results</h3> Over four years, 1,215 dietitians attended the course in 32 different locations throughout the United Kingdom. Eight three percent completed knowledge questionnaires before and after the course. There was a significant improvement in test scores (22.2 ± 5.3 <i>vs</i>. 35.8 ± 4.0, <i>P</i><0.0001), with 94% of delegates achieving the target score for non-specialists. The course was well evaluated with 98% of all markers graded as ‘good' or ‘excellent'. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Targeted educational initiatives delivered outside of normal working hours are an effective means of training and educating a large number of health care professionals over a large geographical area within a short timeframe.