Impact of the COVID-19-induced shift to online dietetics training on PDEP competency acquisition and mental health

Publication: Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research
3 May 2022

Abstract

Purpose: A pilot study to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and shift to online learning and practicum training on dietetics students’ perceptions of Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP) competency acquisition and mental health.
Methods: Dietetics students (n = 19) at the University of Guelph (2020–2021) were invited to complete an anonymous online survey to assess self-reported online dietetics practicum training experiences including (i) benefits and challenges, (ii) PDEP competency acquisition, and (iii) impact on mental health.
Results: The benefits of online dietetics training included schedule flexibility (42.1%), reduced commute time (31.6%), and acquiring virtual counselling experience (21.1%). Reported challenges were insufficient communication with preceptors (36.8%), increased project workload (57.9%), and technology (15.8%). In online practicum placements, 52.6% of dietetics students reported adequately acquiring all PDEP competencies, with Nutrition Care identified as the most challenging to obtain (63.2%). A negative impact on mental health and increased levels of stress/anxiety were reported in 94.7% of trainees. Notably, 63.2% of students favoured continuation of online dietetics training through a hybrid or entirely online format.
Conclusion: Online dietetics training has the potential to complement the traditional in-person model; however, further adaptation is required to optimize PDEP competency acquisition and students’ mental health.

Résumé

Objectif. Une étude pilote pour connaître l’impact de la pandémie de COVID-19 et du passage à l’apprentissage et aux stages en ligne sur la perception des étudiants en diététique relativement à l’acquisition des compétences du Partenariat pour la formation et la pratique en nutrition (PFPN) et à la santé mentale.
Méthodes. Des étudiants en diététique (n = 19) de l’Université de Guelph (2020-2021) ont été invités à répondre à un sondage en ligne anonyme afin d’évaluer leur expérience relativement aux stages en diététique en ligne, notamment (i) les avantages et les défis, (ii) l’acquisition des compétences du PFPN et (iii) l’impact sur la santé mentale.
Résultats. Les avantages de la formation en diététique en ligne comprenaient la flexibilité des horaires (42,1 %), la réduction du temps de déplacement (31,6 %) et l’acquisition d’expérience en counseling virtuel (21,1 %). Les difficultés relevées incluaient une communication insuffisante avec les précepteurs (36,8 %), l’augmentation de la charge de travail (57,9 %) et la technologie (15,8 %). En ce qui a trait aux stages en ligne, 52,6 % des étudiants en diététique ont déclaré avoir acquis toutes les compétences du PFPN de manière adéquate, les compétences en soins nutritionnels ayant été ciblées comme étant les plus difficiles à acquérir (63,2 %). Un impact négatif sur la santé mentale et une augmentation du niveau de stress/d’anxiété ont été signalés chez 94,7 % des stagiaires. Point important, 63,2 % des étudiants étaient favorables à la poursuite de la formation en diététique en ligne selon une formule hybride ou entièrement en ligne.
Conclusions. La formation en diététique en ligne pourrait être complémentaire au modèle traditionnel en présentiel. Il faudra toutefois une plus grande adaptation afin d’optimiser l’acquisition des compétences du PFPN et la santé mentale des étudiants.

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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 83Number 3September 2022
Pages: 144 - 146
Editor: Naomi Cahill

History

Version of record online: 3 May 2022

Key Words

  1. online training
  2. virtual/online dietetics placements
  3. COVID-19
  4. professional training
  5. Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice (PDEP) competency
  6. mental health

Mots-clés

  1. formation en ligne
  2. stages en diététique virtuels/en ligne
  3. COVID-19
  4. formation professionnelle
  5. compétences du Partenariat pour la formation et la pratique en nutrition (PFPN)
  6. santé mentale

Authors

Affiliations

Kelsey Van MSC
Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON
David M. Beauchamp MSC
Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON
Hiba Rachid MAN, RD
Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON
Marina Mansour MAN, RD
Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON
Brooklyne Buckley MAN, RD
Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON
Debora Choi MAN, RD
Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON
Alexia Prescod RD
Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON
Jennifer M. Monk PhD
Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON

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