Models of nutrition-focused continuing education programs for nurses: a systematic review of the evidence
Holly Mitchell A , Catherine Lucas A C , Karen Charlton A B and Anne McMahon A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
B Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: cjl623@uowmail.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 24(2) 101-108 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY17088
Submitted: 21 June 2017 Accepted: 1 November 2017 Published: 24 January 2018
Journal compilation © La Trobe University 2018 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND
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.
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