Student dietitians? attitudes towards research and audit: a comparison with registered dietitians

Undertaking a research project improves confidence in research skills among student dietitians

BACKGROUND

Research is a cornerstone of evidence-based dietetic practice. Research skills are often taught at university through experiential learning during a final-year research project. The aim of this study was to investigate attitudes towards research and confidence in research skills among student dietitians before and after a research project.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey of student dietitians' attitudes to research and confidence in research skills was undertaken before and after completing a research project at two universities in London, United Kingdom. Dichotomous data were compared before and after the research project using a McNemar's test. Factors associated with 'high confidence' or 'improved confidence' in overall research skills at the end of the research project were investigated using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

160 student dietitians completed a questionnaire before and after their research project. The majority had positive attitudes to research both before and after their research project. There was an increase in numbers with 'high confidence' in overall research skills before (13, 8.1%) and after (79, 49.4%) the research project (P<0.001), and 113 (70.6%) reported 'improved confidence' in overall research skills. The only factor associated with 'high confidence' in overall research skills was having 'high levels of involvement in the overall research process' (OR 6.13, 95% CI 2.03-18.49, P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Student dietitians have positive attitudes towards research and undertaking a research project significantly improves confidence in their research skills. Higher level of involvement in the research project is the single most significant factor associated with high confidence in research skills. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Attitudes of primary health care physician managers toward research: a pre-experimental study

Research in primary health care (PHC) is underdeveloped and scarce, especially in developing countries. It is important to understand the attitudes and aspirations of PHC physicians for the promotion of research. The aim of this study was to determine the attitudes of PHC physician managers toward research in Qassim province and to identify barriers that impede performing research in the PHC system. The study was based on social cognitive theory framework, and was pre-experimental with a 'one-group pre-test-post-test' design. The study participants were physician managers in PHC administration, Qassim. The participants' attitudes were measured by adapting statements from the Attitude Towards Research scale. The intervention was the 1-day training program 'Introduction to Research in Primary Health Care'. A total of 23 PHC physicians participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 45.4 (±1.6) years, and the mean years of work experience was 16.2 (±2.2) years. Only one participant had an article published in a peer-reviewed journal. The results of the study showed that PHC physicians had a baseline positive attitude toward research that was further enhanced after participating in an introductory research-training program. During the pre-test, out of the total score of 63, the mean score on attitude toward research was 48.35 (±6.8) while the mean total attitude score in the post-test was 49.7 (±6.6). However, the difference was not statistically significant at P<0.05. The item with the highest score regarded the role of research in the improvement of health care services, while the lowest-scoring item was about support from administration to conduct research. The participants recognised lack of skills, lack of training and inadequate resources as major barriers in conducting research. Our study results suggest that the PHC physicians' positive attitudes toward research can be further improved through in-service training. To promote research in PHC in Qassim, regular research-training programs and incentives for conducting research should be provided to the PHC physicians.

Involvement in research activities and factors influencing research capacity among dietitians

BACKGROUND

A healthcare professional's aptitude to develop research skills and actively engage in research is necessary to optimise healthcare efficacy. The present study investigated the factors that contribute to research capacity within the Australian dietetic workforce.

METHODS

Queensland-based dietitians scored their department and individual skill or success in research on a 10-point scale using an anonymous online survey that incorporated the validated Research Capacity in Context tool. Descriptive statistics were assessed against geographical setting, dietetic experience and the proportion of role (Full Time Equivalent; FTE) designated to research. Research activities were defined by the number of items currently involved in or completed in the past 6 months (n = 11). Factors associated with research activities were assessed by multivariable linear regression.

RESULTS

Dietitians (n = 130) identified having a moderate skill or success in 14 research items [mean (SD) 5.1 (1.7)] and perceived that their departments provided a moderate level of research support in 19 research items [mean (SD) 6.1 (2.5)]. Geographical setting, the proportion of role designated to research (FTE) and participation in research activities were associated with individual and department ratings of research skill or success. Research involvement was predicted by the proportion of role (FTE) designated to research (β = 0.34, t = 4.16, P < 0.001) and years of experience in dietetics (β = 0.32, t = 2.67, P < 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

A dietitian's capacity for research is related to professional experience and the designation of research in the role description. The findings of the present study will provide a baseline of research capacity and expertise among dietitians, and also inform the strategic development of building research capacity.

A study of the attitudes and perceived barriers to undertaking clinical governance activities of dietitians in a Welsh National Health Service trust

BACKGROUND

Previous studies of National Health Service (NHS) employees have identified barriers to undertaking clinical governance activities. Little of this research has investigated dietitians; however, where dietitians were included, generally positive attitudes towards research and evidence-based practice were reported alongside the identified barriers.

METHODS

A quantitative, whole population census was undertaken via a questionnaire distributed to 54 dietitians employed by Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust.

RESULTS

Dietitians reported positive attitudes towards clinical governance; however, barriers to undertaking clinical governance activities were identified. The main barriers included lack of time, inadequate funding, the view that direct patient care should always be prioritised over clinical governance activities and inadequate research and critical evaluation skills.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings were similar to those reported in previous studies of NHS staff. Where comparison was possible, all of the barriers identified were reported at lower levels than in previous studies. As the study was purely quantitative in nature, no understanding was gained regarding the nature of identified barriers or what factors influenced the dietitians' attitudes and perceptions. For further in-depth analysis of these factors, a qualitative study is recommended. As the study comprised a whole population census, the findings cannot be generalized to the dietetic profession as a whole, or to other staff groups within or outside of the study Trust.

Student Research Projects: The Experiences of Student Dietitians, University Faculty Members, and Collaborators

Two universities in the United Kingdom made systematic attempts to increase the number of student dietitians' research projects that are supervised by university faculty members in conjunction with external collaborators (collaborative projects), rather than by faculty alone (faculty-only projects). A questionnaire survey was used to evaluate the experiences of student dietitians (n=110), university faculty members (n=38), and collaborators (n=31) involved in a student research project, comparing those involved in a faculty-only project with those involved in a collaborative project. Students undertaking collaborative projects reported greater involvement in most areas of the research process and greater skill development in obtaining research ethics approval (P=0.005), data collection (P=0.05), and statistical analysis (P=0.004) than students undertaking faculty-only projects. In addition, collaborative projects were more frequently considered to produce results that would change dietetics practice than faculty-only projects by both student dietitians (60% vs 30%, P=0.01) and university faculty members (62% vs 19%, P<0.001). The collaborators also considered that in the majority of instances (61%) their involvement helped them to organize their own time to do research. The type of project did not appear to influence student's expectations of future involvement in research and audit. In general, both types of projects resulted in positive experiences for student dietitians, university faculty members, and collaborators. We recommend that those involved in dietetics education, practice, and management consider the potential value of senior-level student dietitian involvement in collaborative research projects.