Klevans D R, Parrett J L
Office of Continuing Professional Education, College of Agriculture, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802-6793.
J Am Diet Assoc. 1990 Feb;90(2):282-6.
A multimethod needs assessment generated both qualitative and quantitative data about continuing professional education needs and interests of Pennsylvania clinical dietitians. The study also evaluated three different needs assessment procedures. First, data were obtained from 22 clinical dietitians invited to participate in focus group interviews. The dietitians suggested continuing education topics representing four aspects of practice: clinical, procedural, professional development, and management skills. With the data obtained, two needs assessment instruments subsequently were prepared and distributed at a statewide conference. Fourteen percent of 650 attending dietitians volunteered to participate in the needs assessment process. Forty-four completed a survey using an electronic preference recording device, and 50 completed printed questionnaires. Although not directly comparable, responses to both questionnaire formats generally confirmed suggestions obtained from focus groups. Topics such as computer applications, patient education, staff development, and time management led the wide variety of choices selected. Respondents favored live, affordable, conveniently located programs delivered effectively by experts using a participatory format. Of the three assessment procedures used, focus group interviews provided the most detailed information for planning continuing education. Surveys based on focus group results are useful for contributing quantitative data. We conclude that a comprehensive plan for dietitians' professional development through continuing professional education should include structured needs assessments. The assessments are necessary to determine the diverse and changing concerns, needs, and preferences of dietitians and the organizations employing them.
一项多方法需求评估收集了关于宾夕法尼亚州临床营养师继续职业教育需求和兴趣的定性和定量数据。该研究还评估了三种不同的需求评估程序。首先，从受邀参加焦点小组访谈的22名临床营养师那里获取数据。这些营养师提出了代表实践四个方面的继续教育主题：临床、程序、专业发展和管理技能。利用所获得的数据，随后编写了两种需求评估工具并在一次全州性会议上分发。650名与会营养师中有14%自愿参与需求评估过程。44人使用电子偏好记录设备完成了一项调查，50人完成了纸质问卷。虽然这两种问卷形式的数据不能直接比较，但对这两种问卷形式的回答总体上证实了从焦点小组获得的建议。计算机应用、患者教育、员工发展和时间管理等主题在众多选择中名列前茅。受访者青睐由专家以参与式形式有效开展的、现场授课、价格合理且地点便利的课程。在所使用的三种评估程序中，焦点小组访谈为规划继续教育提供了最详细的信息。基于焦点小组结果的调查有助于提供定量数据。我们得出结论，通过继续职业教育促进营养师专业发展的综合计划应包括结构化的需求评估。这些评估对于确定营养师及其雇主组织多样化且不断变化的关注点、需求和偏好是必要的。
