Practice-based Research Program Promotes Dietitians' Participation in Research

Publication: Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
16 November 2015

Abstract

Barriers to dietitians' participation in research include lack of time, self-perceived competence, confidence, administrative support, and funding. Providence Health Care, a multi-site health care organization in Vancouver, British Columbia implemented the Practice-based Research Challenge (RC), a 1-year research program, to support interdisciplinary teams of nurses and allied health professionals to conduct practice-relevant research projects. Funding, mentoring, and research education were provided to research teams. From 2011 to 2015, 37% of all dietitians in the organization were involved in the RC in 4 cohorts of the 1-year program. An online survey was conducted to understand these dietitians' interest and experience in the RC. The survey results indicated that the major reasons for participating in the program were to increase knowledge, improve patient care, and to work on a project of interest. Respondents thought they gained knowledge, enhanced professional development, and improved patient care. A majority stated they would likely conduct future research. The RC enabled and supported dietitians' participation in research; infrastructure supports for research and enabling a culture of research participation are key contributors to promoting dietitians involvement in research.

Résumé

Les obstacles à la participation des diététistes à la recherche comprennent entre autres le manque de temps, d'assurance en ce qui concerne ses propres compétences, de confiance, de soutien administratif et de financement. L'organisme de soins de santé multisite Providence Health Care, situé à Vancouver, en Colombie-Britannique, a mis en æuvre un programme de recherche d'un an, le Practice-based Research Challenge (RC), en vue de soutenir des équipes interdisciplinaires composées d'infirmiers et de professionnels paramédicaux. Ces équipes étaient chargées de mener des projets de recherche en lien avec la pratique, et recevaient du financement, du mentorat et de la formation en recherche. Entre 2011 et 2015, 37 % des diététistes de l'organisation ont été impliqués dans les 4 cohortes du programme RC d'un an. Une enquête en ligne a été menée afin de comprendre l'intérêt de ces diététistes pour le RC et l'expérience qu'ils en ont tirée. Selon les résultats de l'enquête, les principales raisons les ayant poussés à participer au programme étaient l'acquisition de connaissances, l'amélioration des soins aux patients et l'occasion de travailler sur un projet intéressant. Les répondants estiment avoir accru leurs connaissances, contribué à leur développement professionnel et amélioré les soins aux patients. En majorité, ils ont indiqué qu'ils mèneraient probablement des recherches à l'avenir. Le programme RC a favorisé la participation des diététistes à la recherche. Les infrastructures de soutien et l'établissement d'une culture de participation à la recherche constituent des éléments clés pour l'implication des diététistes dans la recherche.

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Information & Authors

Information

Published In

cover image Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
Volume 77Number 1March 2016
Pages: 43 - 46

History

Version of record online: 16 November 2015

Authors

Affiliations

Frances Johnson RD, MSc
Clinical Nutrition, Providence Health Care, Vancouver, BC
Agnes T. Black RN, MPH
Professional Practice Office, Providence Health Care, Vancouver, BC
Jiak Chin Koh RD, MSc
Clinical Nutrition, Providence Health Care, Vancouver, BC

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