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Evaluation of the contribution of clinical placement learning and teaching exposures to nutritional and dietetics competency development
Abstract   Peer reviewed

Evaluation of the contribution of clinical placement learning and teaching exposures to nutritional and dietetics competency development

Lydia Sutakowsky, Judith Maher, R Stewart and Roger Hughes
Nutrition & dietetics, Vol.67(Supplement 1), p.21
Dietitians Association of Australia National Conference, 28th (Melbourne, Australia, 27-May-2010–29-May-2010)
2010
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1261/j.1747-0080.2010.01415.x
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https://doi.org/10.1261/j.1747-0080.2010.01415.xView
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Abstract

Nutrition and Dietetics Public Health and Health Services Food Sciences
The role of professional placements in the development of dietetic competencies is widely accepted. There is however a surprising lack of scholarship to assess what extent and how practice-based learning exposures contribute to clinical dietetic competency accumulation. This qualitative study explored the experience of recent dietetic graduates whilst on clinical placements, particularly with respect to the various factors influencing competency development in the placement environment. Interviews were conducted with recent graduates from 3 Universities in Australia. A semi structured interview technique was used to explore the actual lived experience of students whilst on clinical placement. These interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed by 3 researchers. All members of the research team reviewed the transcripts and compared, clarified and interpreted the key response themes (research triangulation). Students consistently reported that professional placements forced accelerated competency development. It was found that both physical (the work environment) and interpersonal factors (such as attributes of the supervisor) were identified as major influences on competency development. The following factors were also thematically identified: work space, organisation within departments, orientation to placement, organisational climate, supervisor communication, personality, interpersonal skills and teaching ability. Personal attributes of the student were also found to impact on competency development. The placement component of dietetic workforce development is challenging, confronting and intense for most students. This study highlights the importance of professional placements for accelerated competency development and identifies key factors for optimising the clinical placement experience. This should provide valuable evidence for academics and practitioners when developing clinical placement programs.

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