- Email: [email protected]
Determine Entry-Level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist's Participation in Advocacy
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
Poster Session: Professional Skills; Nutrition Assessment; Medical Nutrition Therapy Determine Entry-Level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist’s Participation in Advocacy
A Qualitative Study of Influences on Graduate Students’ Decision-Making When Incurring Graduate School Debt
Author(s): V.C. Mondelli, D. Sowa, S. Foley, Y. Chen; Rush Univ. Med. Ctr., Chicago, IL
Author(s): C.B. Kreutzer1, M. Gotto2; 1Univ. of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 2Benton Middle Sch., La Mirada, CA
Learning Outcome: Participants will determine entry-level (less than or equal to three years of experience) RDN’s participation in advocacy for nutritionrelated policy.
Learning Outcome: Participants will be able to discuss the financial aid barriers and influences that health sciences (including nutrition) graduate student’s encounter when making decisions about paying for graduate school.
Background: In 2008, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) added public policy (PP) competency statements to educational requirements of Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD) and Supervised Practice (SP) Programs. The intent was to improve knowledge and advocacy skills of entry-level RDN’s in promoting nutrition policy. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which these competencies were perceived as met.
Background: AND will soon (2024) require a master’s degree for entry-level practice. Need for financial aid may be a deterrent with 19% of the nation’s households owing federal student loan debt, surpassing credit card debt (2011). No studies have looked at health sciences (HS) graduate students (dietetics, social work, nursing, occupational therapy) debt decision-making.
Methods: A cross-sectional, nation-wide survey of entry-level RDNs was conducted. Content validity of the survey was assessed by individuals from the AND legislative and PP committee. SurveyMonkey was used to administer the questionnaire that assessed how prepared respondents felt they were to advocate for nutrition policy in seven priority areas and their frequency of advocating. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze results. Results: The response rate was 3,164 (22%), the majority were female (95%) and members of AND (83%). Respondents rated all seven priority areas important (>90% each), with “Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease (98%)” and “Meeting Nutrition Needs through Lifecycle (97.5%)” as highest. RDNs agreed that their DPD education (70%) and SP experience (84%) improved their knowledge of PP. Forty-nine percent and 66% agreed that their undergraduate education and SP experience improved their skills of PP, respectively. Contacting legislators via mail was the activity respondents most frequently participated in, as students (60%) and after becoming an RDN (30%). Conclusions: RDNs supported the priority areas. The PP competencies provided knowledge and skills to entry-level RDNs. Minimal participation in PP activities remains problematic amongst practicing RDNs.
Purpose: To provide a snapshot of the HS graduate student debt decision-making process and to understand potential financial aid barrier students face. Methods: An inquiry methods approach, using interviews, was used. The theoretical framework was Bronfenbrenner’s (2005) ecological model, providing a lens to identify the interacting and interdependent systems influencing student decision-making. Interviews were transcribed and coded. An inductive process was used for data analysis. Forty interviews were conducted with HS students enrolled at a non-profit or public, college or university, in CA. Results: Findings suggest that graduate students: (a) lack an understanding of student loan borrowing and repayment options; (b) did not consult with their university’s financial aid office and instead sought advice from trusted family members and mentors; and (c) consistently viewed career mobility, networking, and institutional prestige as yielding a worthy return on investment. Conclusion: Institutions of higher education should assume more responsibility for educating students about their financial aid options. Policymakers should focus more attention on assisting master’s degree students in funding their education. Funding Disclosure: None
Funding Disclosure: None
Pediatric Nutrition Counseling Through Telemedicine in Everyday Practice: A Pilot Study
The Influence of Situational Diet Self-Efficacy on the Adherence to a Low Sodium Diet by African-American Women on Hemodialysis
Author(s): J. Hall1, K. Prelack1, M. McEttrick-Maloney1, P.D. Masso2; 1Shriners Hosp. for Children, Boston, MA, 2Shriners Hosp. for Children, Springfield, MA
Author: C.M. Blakely; Health Sciences, Kent State Univ., Sagamore Hills, OH
Learning Outcome: The participant will learn about what Telenutrition is and the benefits of its use by RDNs.
Learning Outcome: The participants will be able to identify the Influences of Situational Diet Self-Efficacy and the Adherence of a Low Sodium Diet Amongst African-American Women on Hemodialysis.
Introduction: Technological advances enhance delivery of care in medicine. Telenutrition (TN) was recently adapted in our hospital as a means of providing nutrition counseling to patients at a remote site when face to face encounter was not possible. Proposed benefits of this program were that patients could be seen in a more timely fashion, and more effective utilization of resources. We recently evaluated the feasibility, cost effectiveness, and quality of care provided by this process.
Background: Kidney disease is the 5th leading cause of death for AfricanAmerican women (Women’s Health USA, 2013). Excessive amounts of sodium consumed can increase blood pressure, edema and difficulty breathing.
Methods: A retrospective review of pediatric patients who received nutrition counseling by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) via our TN program from over a 18 month period was conducted. For each patient encounter, information was gathered on: diagnosis, reason for consult, RDN time spent, and patient satisfaction. Estimates of cost savings as a result of using this service were noted.
Design: A cross sectional survey was implemented for African-American women on hemodialysis. The Situational Dieting Self-Efficacy Scale was used to assess dietary self-efficacy based upon 25 statements that provides combinations of feelings, moods and the level of hunger. A number from 0 to 100 was placed next to the statements with 0 indicating not at all confident and 100 indicating completely confident.
Results: From June 2013-December 2014, 27 patients admitted to a pediatric orthopedic hospital were screened and recommended for nutrition counseling. Reasons for consultation were: weight loss (89%), calcium deficiency (7%), and failure to thrive (4%). All patients reported this as a useful intervention, and 66% requested follow up. Estimated annual savings to this approach versus RDN onsite 1 day/week approximated $8,445, and allowed for RDN time to be spent on other necessary projects.
Participants/Setting: There were 29 subjects’ greater than18 years of age and on hemodialysis. All participants were from 1 hemodialysis facility in northeastern Ohio. The subjects were recruited at their hemodialysis facility to complete the Situational Dieting Self-Efficacy Scale.
Conclusion: TN is a growing resource that can be utilized by RDNs to provide on-demand counseling that promotes both patient satisfaction and efficient utilization of time and resources. Additional studies on outcome are underway to demonstrate additional benefits to this process. Funding Disclosure: None
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of situational diet self-efficacy on the adherence to a low sodium diet by AfricanAmerican women on hemodialysis.
Methods: The answers to each question were placed in an SPSS version 21 data file. Cronbach Alpha and Descriptive Statistical tests were run. Results: The Cronbach Alpha was .957. The descriptive statistics ranged from 57.21-79.10. Conclusion: The Situational Diet Self-Efficacy Scale was reliable. The findings shown participants had a higher adherence to the low sodium diet when they were relaxed and mildly hungry during meal time. Funding Disclosure: None
A-12
JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
September 2015 Suppl 2—Abstracts Volume 115 Number 9
Poster Session: Professional Skills; Nutrition Assessment; Medical Nutrition Therapy Determine Entry-Level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist’s Participation in Advocacy
A Qualitative Study of Influences on Graduate Students’ Decision-Making When Incurring Graduate School Debt
Author(s): V.C. Mondelli, D. Sowa, S. Foley, Y. Chen; Rush Univ. Med. Ctr., Chicago, IL
Author(s): C.B. Kreutzer1, M. Gotto2; 1Univ. of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 2Benton Middle Sch., La Mirada, CA
Learning Outcome: Participants will determine entry-level (less than or equal to three years of experience) RDN’s participation in advocacy for nutritionrelated policy.
Learning Outcome: Participants will be able to discuss the financial aid barriers and influences that health sciences (including nutrition) graduate student’s encounter when making decisions about paying for graduate school.
Background: In 2008, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) added public policy (PP) competency statements to educational requirements of Didactic Programs in Dietetics (DPD) and Supervised Practice (SP) Programs. The intent was to improve knowledge and advocacy skills of entry-level RDN’s in promoting nutrition policy. The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which these competencies were perceived as met.
Background: AND will soon (2024) require a master’s degree for entry-level practice. Need for financial aid may be a deterrent with 19% of the nation’s households owing federal student loan debt, surpassing credit card debt (2011). No studies have looked at health sciences (HS) graduate students (dietetics, social work, nursing, occupational therapy) debt decision-making.
Methods: A cross-sectional, nation-wide survey of entry-level RDNs was conducted. Content validity of the survey was assessed by individuals from the AND legislative and PP committee. SurveyMonkey was used to administer the questionnaire that assessed how prepared respondents felt they were to advocate for nutrition policy in seven priority areas and their frequency of advocating. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze results. Results: The response rate was 3,164 (22%), the majority were female (95%) and members of AND (83%). Respondents rated all seven priority areas important (>90% each), with “Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Disease (98%)” and “Meeting Nutrition Needs through Lifecycle (97.5%)” as highest. RDNs agreed that their DPD education (70%) and SP experience (84%) improved their knowledge of PP. Forty-nine percent and 66% agreed that their undergraduate education and SP experience improved their skills of PP, respectively. Contacting legislators via mail was the activity respondents most frequently participated in, as students (60%) and after becoming an RDN (30%). Conclusions: RDNs supported the priority areas. The PP competencies provided knowledge and skills to entry-level RDNs. Minimal participation in PP activities remains problematic amongst practicing RDNs.
Purpose: To provide a snapshot of the HS graduate student debt decision-making process and to understand potential financial aid barrier students face. Methods: An inquiry methods approach, using interviews, was used. The theoretical framework was Bronfenbrenner’s (2005) ecological model, providing a lens to identify the interacting and interdependent systems influencing student decision-making. Interviews were transcribed and coded. An inductive process was used for data analysis. Forty interviews were conducted with HS students enrolled at a non-profit or public, college or university, in CA. Results: Findings suggest that graduate students: (a) lack an understanding of student loan borrowing and repayment options; (b) did not consult with their university’s financial aid office and instead sought advice from trusted family members and mentors; and (c) consistently viewed career mobility, networking, and institutional prestige as yielding a worthy return on investment. Conclusion: Institutions of higher education should assume more responsibility for educating students about their financial aid options. Policymakers should focus more attention on assisting master’s degree students in funding their education. Funding Disclosure: None
Funding Disclosure: None
Pediatric Nutrition Counseling Through Telemedicine in Everyday Practice: A Pilot Study
The Influence of Situational Diet Self-Efficacy on the Adherence to a Low Sodium Diet by African-American Women on Hemodialysis
Author(s): J. Hall1, K. Prelack1, M. McEttrick-Maloney1, P.D. Masso2; 1Shriners Hosp. for Children, Boston, MA, 2Shriners Hosp. for Children, Springfield, MA
Author: C.M. Blakely; Health Sciences, Kent State Univ., Sagamore Hills, OH
Learning Outcome: The participant will learn about what Telenutrition is and the benefits of its use by RDNs.
Learning Outcome: The participants will be able to identify the Influences of Situational Diet Self-Efficacy and the Adherence of a Low Sodium Diet Amongst African-American Women on Hemodialysis.
Introduction: Technological advances enhance delivery of care in medicine. Telenutrition (TN) was recently adapted in our hospital as a means of providing nutrition counseling to patients at a remote site when face to face encounter was not possible. Proposed benefits of this program were that patients could be seen in a more timely fashion, and more effective utilization of resources. We recently evaluated the feasibility, cost effectiveness, and quality of care provided by this process.
Background: Kidney disease is the 5th leading cause of death for AfricanAmerican women (Women’s Health USA, 2013). Excessive amounts of sodium consumed can increase blood pressure, edema and difficulty breathing.
Methods: A retrospective review of pediatric patients who received nutrition counseling by a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) via our TN program from over a 18 month period was conducted. For each patient encounter, information was gathered on: diagnosis, reason for consult, RDN time spent, and patient satisfaction. Estimates of cost savings as a result of using this service were noted.
Design: A cross sectional survey was implemented for African-American women on hemodialysis. The Situational Dieting Self-Efficacy Scale was used to assess dietary self-efficacy based upon 25 statements that provides combinations of feelings, moods and the level of hunger. A number from 0 to 100 was placed next to the statements with 0 indicating not at all confident and 100 indicating completely confident.
Results: From June 2013-December 2014, 27 patients admitted to a pediatric orthopedic hospital were screened and recommended for nutrition counseling. Reasons for consultation were: weight loss (89%), calcium deficiency (7%), and failure to thrive (4%). All patients reported this as a useful intervention, and 66% requested follow up. Estimated annual savings to this approach versus RDN onsite 1 day/week approximated $8,445, and allowed for RDN time to be spent on other necessary projects.
Participants/Setting: There were 29 subjects’ greater than18 years of age and on hemodialysis. All participants were from 1 hemodialysis facility in northeastern Ohio. The subjects were recruited at their hemodialysis facility to complete the Situational Dieting Self-Efficacy Scale.
Conclusion: TN is a growing resource that can be utilized by RDNs to provide on-demand counseling that promotes both patient satisfaction and efficient utilization of time and resources. Additional studies on outcome are underway to demonstrate additional benefits to this process. Funding Disclosure: None
Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of situational diet self-efficacy on the adherence to a low sodium diet by AfricanAmerican women on hemodialysis.
Methods: The answers to each question were placed in an SPSS version 21 data file. Cronbach Alpha and Descriptive Statistical tests were run. Results: The Cronbach Alpha was .957. The descriptive statistics ranged from 57.21-79.10. Conclusion: The Situational Diet Self-Efficacy Scale was reliable. The findings shown participants had a higher adherence to the low sodium diet when they were relaxed and mildly hungry during meal time. Funding Disclosure: None
A-12
JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
September 2015 Suppl 2—Abstracts Volume 115 Number 9