Research Showcase Abstracts
Explore abstracts from CFDR’s annual research showcase at the DC Conference.
Year
2019
Language
English
Title
A needs assessment and environmental scan to inform Culinary Medicine Lab (CML) curriculum to increase nutrition competence of medical graduates at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) J.
Introduction/Purpose
Nutrition curriculum is inadequate in most medical schools including NOSM. Culinary
medicine combines food literacy with clinical nutrition for medical trainees. Six CMLs aligning with NOSM’s Year 1 curriculum were piloted on Sudbury and Thunder Bay campuses (September 2018-April 2019). Future integration requires tailored content.
medicine combines food literacy with clinical nutrition for medical trainees. Six CMLs aligning with NOSM’s Year 1 curriculum were piloted on Sudbury and Thunder Bay campuses (September 2018-April 2019). Future integration requires tailored content.
Objective(s)/Process or Summary of Content
Determine the nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, and education needs of NOSM medical students; and, identify relevant resources to inform an evidence-based CML curriculum model.
Method(s)/Systemic Approach Used
Phase 1 students (n=128) were invited to complete a voluntary 15-item online survey using
Qualtrics© assessing current nutrition-related attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions. Results were analyzed using Microsoft Excel© and pivot tables; open-ended responses were thematically analyzed. The CMLs were optionally attended by up to 24 students; individual evaluations assessed learning and confidence related to nutrition, food skills, and nutrition competence as future physicians. An environmental scan was conducted using PEN®, PubMed, and targeted websites. Key search terms related to nutrition, undergraduate medical education, and registered dietitians’ (RDs’) roles in numerous chronic conditions. Results were appraised using a tool adapted from the National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools.
Qualtrics© assessing current nutrition-related attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions. Results were analyzed using Microsoft Excel© and pivot tables; open-ended responses were thematically analyzed. The CMLs were optionally attended by up to 24 students; individual evaluations assessed learning and confidence related to nutrition, food skills, and nutrition competence as future physicians. An environmental scan was conducted using PEN®, PubMed, and targeted websites. Key search terms related to nutrition, undergraduate medical education, and registered dietitians’ (RDs’) roles in numerous chronic conditions. Results were appraised using a tool adapted from the National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools.
Results/Conclusions
The survey yielded 28 responses; half were first-year students. Many (61%) felt unable to provide brief nutrition intervention counselling. Most (79%) were unsure how to refer to RDs. Post-CML evaluations showed they were effective; learning objectives were met for each session and increased students’ nutrition knowledge and competence. The environmental scan generated over 70 sources, the majority adaptable for components of a Canadian CML model (student learning tasks, case studies, lectures, integrated clinical skills, references, etc.).
Conclusions(s)/Recommendations
The needs assessment, environmental scan, and appraisal along with 2018-19 CML student evaluations supported the development of an evidenced-based CML curriculum at NOSM.
Significance to Dietetics
This innovative model can enhance nutrition curriculum and roles of RDs in medical education.
Funded by
Nutrition and Medicine Interest Group at Northern Ontario School of Medicine
