Authors

  1. Brody, Rebecca A. PhD, RD, LD, CNSC
  2. Touger-Decker, Riva PhD, RD, FADA
  3. Radler, Diane Rigassio PhD, RD
  4. Parrott, J. Scott PhD
  5. Rachman, Shelly Elbaum MS
  6. Trostler, Naomi PhD, RD

Abstract

Changes in knowledge and practice of 30 dietitians in Israel who work in geriatric care were assessed following a training program on nutrition-focused physical assessment (NFPA) of the oral cavity. Knowledge scores increased from pre- to immediate posttraining (P < .001), to 12 months posttraining (P < .001), and from immediately to 12 months posttraining (P = .015). For all NFPA components at 3 months posttraining, participants were more likely to perform the assessment themselves rather than avoid the assessment for that component or obtain the data from the medical record. From 3 to 6 months posttraining, there were no significant changes in the proportion of "performed" assessment components; performance of assessment components was retained over time.