Development of Dietetics Students’ Skills and Self-Efficacy in the Nutrition Care Process

Authors

Kristen Heitman (0000-0002-5178-9043), Ohio State UniversityFollow
Marcia Nahikian-Nelms (0000-0002-4804-7508), Ohio State UniversityFollow
Holly Estes-Doetsch (0000-0003-0136-0617), Ohio State UniversityFollow
Kristen M. Roberts (0000-0001-5619-990X), Ohio State UniversityFollow
Jennifer A. Garner (0000-0001-9735-294X), University of MichiganFollow
Julie Kennel (0000-0003-0790-9498), Ohio State UniversityFollow
Christopher A. Taylor (0000-0002-0839-0213), Ohio State UniversityFollow

Author Biographical Information

Kristen Heitman, PhD, RDN, LD: Assistant Professor of Practice, Health Sciences, Ohio State University College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences; heitman.16@osu.edu

Marcia Nahikian-Nelms, PhD, RDN, LD, CNSC, FAND: Clinical Professor and Senior Faculty Affiliate, Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning, Ohio State University College of Medicine

Holly Estes-Doetsch, MS, RDN, LD: Clinical Instructor, Medical Dietetics and Health Sciences, Ohio State University College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences; Registered Dietitian, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Kristen M. Roberts, PhD, RDN, LD, CNSC, FAND, FASPEN: Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Ohio State University College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences; Registered Dietitian, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Jennifer A. Garner, PhD, RD: Assistant Professor of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health

Julie Kennel, PhD, RDN, LD: Associate Professor of Clinical Practice, Human Nutrition, Department of Human Sciences, Ohio State University College of Education and Human Ecology; Co-Program Director, Master of Dietetics and Nutrition Graduate Program, Ohio State University College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Christopher A. Taylor, PhD, RDN, LD, FAND: Professor and Director of Medical Dietetics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences; Program Director, Coordinated Program in Dietetics; Co-Program Director, Master of Dietetics and Nutrition Graduate Program

Abstract

The Nutrition Care Process (NCP) is a systematic framework for providing nutrition care and a cornerstone of dietetics practice. Dietetics education relies on development of skills to achieve competence and demonstrate readiness for practice. The relationship between development of fundamental skills and self-efficacy among dietetics students preparing for clinical practice remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine the development of dietetics students’ skills in NCP documentation and their self-efficacy in performing the skills over one academic year. Student nutrition notes (n = 120 notes, n = 30 students) from standardized patient encounters were evaluated for quality using a validated tool: NCP-QUEST at four timepoints during the academic year. An optional self-efficacy questionnaire was completed by students (n = 24) at three timepoints. Mean (± standard deviation) and repeated measures mixed-effects linear regression were used to describe the results. NCP-QUEST scores improved significantly over the course of the program (p < 0.0001). Students’ self-efficacy in the NCP also significantly improved over time (p < 0.0022), even when controlled for NCP-QUEST scores (p < 0.006). Students demonstrated significant gains in skills and self-efficacy related to the NCP as they progressed through the dietetics curriculum. Targeted efforts to improve clinical decision-making and documentation may further support development of students’ self-efficacy.

DOI

10.26890/vlbb7622

Recommended Citation

Heitman, Kristen; Nahikian-Nelms, Marcia; Estes-Doetsch, Holly; Roberts, Kristen M.; Garner, Jennifer A.; Kennel, Julie; and Taylor, Christopher A. (2025) "Development of Dietetics Students’ Skills and Self-Efficacy in the Nutrition Care Process," Journal of Dietetic Education: Vol. 3: Iss. 2, Article 6.
DOI: 10.26890/vlbb7622
Available at: https://ecommons.udayton.edu/jde/vol3/iss2/6