Practice analysis of nutrition support professionals: evidence-based multidisciplinary nutrition support certification examination.

BACKGROUND

The National Board of Nutrition Support Certification (NBNSC) is an independent credentialing board responsible for administering the multidisciplinary certification examination in nutrition support. For an exam to be legally and practically defensible, it must represent practice. Validation is by practice audit, the highest level of supporting evidence.

OBJECTIVES

To define the role of the nutrition support professional (NSP) and the current elements (knowledge and functions) required for competent NSP practice.

METHODS

A survey instrument was constructed using a content validation strategy to establish the link between job tasks and the content of the examination. Internet-based surveys were made available to 5100 NSPs. NSP duties performed and knowledge required for patient safety and welfare were analyzed for the group as a whole and for each profession separately.

RESULTS

A total of 765 surveys were completed (return rate of 15%). The results of the practice audit demonstrate a common core of practice across the nutrition support disciplines as well as a universal core of elements believed to be important for competent nutrition support practice.

CONCLUSION

The results of this survey continue to support a common core of practice across nutrition support disciplines as well as a common core of elements believed to be important for competent nutrition support practice. Accordingly, the NBNSC will continue to offer one examination to all disciplines both nationally and internationally and confer the Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) credential to all individuals who successfully pass this validated examination.