Impact of malnutrition management e-learning module on GPs' knowledge: a pilot study.
BJGP Open 2023;
7:BJGPO.2022.0111. [PMID:
36410769 DOI:
10.3399/bjgpo.2022.0111]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Malnutrition is underdiagnosed in primary care. GPs are key healthcare contacts for older adults at risk of protein-energy malnutrition; however, lack of knowledge and confidence in its diagnosis and treatment is often reported.
AIM
To evaluate the impact of a bespoke online education module on GP malnutrition knowledge and management.
DESIGN & SETTING
A prospective pre-post pilot study with 23 GPs and eight GP trainees in the Republic of Ireland.
METHOD
The module included units on the following: 'malnutrition definition, prevalence, and latest evidence'; 'identifying malnutrition in clinical practice'; 'food-first advice'; 'reviewing malnutrition'; and 'oral nutritional supplements'. Participant knowledge was measured using a multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ) before and after the module (n = 31), and 6 weeks following completion (n = 11). Case studies assessing identification and management of malnutrition were evaluated by a clinical specialist dietitian with expertise in managing malnutrition. Changes in assessment performance were calculated using paired t-tests. Acceptability was evaluated using a questionnaire.
RESULTS
Post-training, 97% of GPs increased MCQ scores from baseline (+25%, P<0.001), with the greatest improvement in 'identifying malnutrition in clinical practice' (mean increase 47%, P<0.001). Eleven GPs completed the 6-week MCQ with scores remaining significantly higher than baseline (mean increase 15%, P = 0.005); 'identifying malnutrition in clinical practice' remained the most highly scored (mean increase 40%, P<0.001). Seventeen GPs completed the case studies; 76% at baseline and 88% post-module correctly calculated malnutrition risk scores. Appropriate malnutrition management improved for 47% of GPs after module completion.
CONCLUSION
This e-learning module improved malnutrition knowledge, with good short-term retention in a small cohort. Development of online evidence-based nutrition education may improve GP nutrition care.
Collapse