Nutrition-Specific Dissemination and Implementation Science Training Development and Feedback

ABSTRACT

Background

There is a critical need to build knowledge among community nutrition and health educators to ensure that nutrition interventions are appropriate.

Purpose

Assess experts’ perceptions on a novel D&I training for nutrition and health education.

Methods

Experts were recruited by a selective sample in nutrition implementation science. Experts reported their opinions about learning objectives and a training syllabus by responding to 7-point Likert scale questions and qualitative feedback on the curriculum. Quantitative data were analyzed for descriptive statistics and frequency analysis. Qualitative survey results from the expert review and feedback were analyzed and categorized into topic and theme.

Results

Respondents (n = 31) were female (94%), White (81%), and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (71%). Most respondents categorized the learning strategies and syllabus as generally positive (4–7) on the Likert scales. Key components of the course – including case study assignments, projects, and guided reading questions – as beneficial for student learning.

Discussion

Application-based learning and activities are essential components to this D&I training and assist in translating learning objectives to behavioral outcomes.

Translation to Health Education Practice

This course offers a practical solution for health educators to meet competencies needed for credentialing and continuing education in implementing nutrition and health interventions.

Author contributions

The authors’ responsibilities were as follow- AEW: designed the study, conducted the search, analyzed data, and drafted the manuscript; SESM: contributed to study design, refinement and revisions to draft manuscripts; MDO: contributed to study refinement and revisions to draft manuscripts. DT: contributed to study design, refinement and revisions to draft manuscripts; EAC: contributed to the design plan, provided qualitative expertise, and revised to draft manuscripts.

Disclosure statement

SESM serves as an expert witness on several legal cases related to catastrophic injury and sudden death in sport. Otherwise, the authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author, [MDO]. The data are not publicly available due to restrictions e.g. their containing information that could compromise the privacy of research participants.

Supplementary material

Supplemental data for this article can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2023.2164942.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the West Virginia Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station Projects WVA00689 and WVA00721.