Training in Dietetics:: New Partnerships in the Czech Republic and Moldova

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOME: To design, implement, and evaluate a model training program in dietetics for key faculty from Charles University (Czech Republic) and The Technical University of Moldova.The lack of baccalaureate programs for dietitians in the Czech Republic and Moldova prompted the development and implementation of a six week educational program at the University of Connecticut. The goal was the preparation of a curriculum that was consistent with the standards of the American Dietetic Association and appropriate for each university. Traditionally most nutrition services are performed by medical doctors with the assistance of dietetic nurses who have only a high school diploma and arc not nurses. The need for programs that train baccalaureate level dietitians in the newest methods of clinical and community practice was warranted given the fact that the knowledge base in dietetics has expanded greatly in the past 25 years. The training program included: clinical topics, curriculum development, professional topics relevant to dietetics, clinical experiences, and cultural and legislative opportunities. Faculty from the School of Allied Health Professions and dietitians from Connecticut provided the didactic and clinical components of the program. Because this program was designed to be an educational prototype for other Central European countries evaluation was critical and included both formative and summative evaluation. Evaluation was ongoing throughout the two general phases of the program: 1) educational training; and 2) post program follow-up and progress toward implementation. Evaluation for educational training included qualitative assessment using interviews, record keeping, and a diary on all phases of the program from the perspective of participants, administrators, and faculty. At the end of the 6 week period, questionnaires were distributed to participants to determine the knowledge gained and applicability for implementation in the Czech Republic and Moldova. The program was perceived by the participants to be very successful in meeting program goals. A 6 month post-program review was done to identify: retrospect usefulness of the training program, progress in implementation, barriers to implementation, and useful additions to the training program for replication. Results indicate a high level of success as it relates to program outcome. This training model appears to have a high level of applicability for other Central European countries.