Models of nutrition-focused continuing education programs for nurses: a systematic review of the evidence

Abstract

Nurses are well-positioned to provide basic nutrition education and reinforce nutrition messages to patients in hospital and primary care settings. Despite this, nurses may not receive adequate training to provide this service, and there is limited opportunity for nurses to engage in nutrition-focused continuing education (CE). The aim of this review was to determine whether nurse nutrition education results in improved knowledge and practices; and explore which models of CE for nutrition may be most acceptable and effective in practice. Web of Science and Scopus were searched for case-series studies published between 2000 and 2016 that investigated changes in nutrition knowledge of nurses and midwives. Only studies that could transcend to nurses providing patient nutrition education were included. Twelve articles met the eligibility criteria. Articles are explored in terms of mode of delivery, duration of intervention and educational strategies employed. Nutrition CE programs that are delivered face-to-face or by self-directed learning manuals, which utilise active learning strategies, are positively associated with improvements in nutrition knowledge. Web-based CE and self-directed learning may be favourable modes of delivery as they may assist in addressing resource and time contraints.

Feasibility of face-to-face and online learning methods to provide nutrition education to midwives, general practice nurses and student nurses

“… 19 20 For nurses, continuing professional development (CPD) programmes which are based on active learning models that use case studies, clinical simulations and participatory discussions are more effective than didactic models of learning. 21 The mode of delivery of CPD programmes also needs consideration. Education delivered online offers convenience and flexibility to busy working professionals and students, 22 23 while resulting in equivalent or superior outcomes compared with traditional methods.…”

“…Education of healthcare providers in other contexts has been effective in inducing changes to practice, both immediately and over the longer term 19 20. For nurses, continuing professional development (CPD) programmes which are based on active learning models that use case studies, clinical simulations and participatory discussions are more effective than didactic models of learning 21. The mode of delivery of CPD programmes also needs consideration.…”

Dual RN-RDN program: Training for the future of health and nutrition

“…A literature review for studies assessing the efficacy of a dual RDN-RN program on health outcomes did not produce any results. However, studies have shown that individualized counselling from dietitians is more beneficial than general nutritional counselling from other health care providers not specifically trained in dietetics [9,10,18]. A narrative review on the role of nurses in nutritional care noted that effective counselling requires training and education, commenting that, ideally, nutrition counselling is conducted by dietitians, but is costly and time-consuming [10].…”

“…However, the initial nutritional screening of a patient admitted to a hospital is often performed by a Registered Nurse (RN). Nursing is the largest health care occupation in the US, and nurses have a broad scope of practice that uniquely positions them to implement diet interventions through the spectrum of disease development and management [1,9,10]. Interestingly, prior to the development of the dietitian specialist in the 1950s, nurses provided nutrition care as well [11].…”

Experiências na qualificação da força de trabalho e produção do cuidado em nutrição para a alimentação saudável na atenção primária

“…Alguns estudos tem acrescentado informações úteis a temática como a síntese realista conduzida por Mogre et al (2016) que elabora um modelo conceitual sobre as características de intervenções que contribuíram para melhoria de competências no cuidado nutricional (incluídos residentes e estudantes de graduação), outros exploraram a oferta de programas de educação continuada em nutrição disponível aos profissionais em áreas específicas como das doenças cardiovasculares ou em ocupações específicas (Johnston, Mathews, Aspry, Aggarwal, & Gianos, 2019;Mitchell, Lucas, Charlton, & McMahon, 2018). Ainda assim, estudos que se ocupam de investigar qualificação dos trabalhadores da saúde no campo da promoção da alimentação saudável permanecem inexplorados.…”