Comment on: Dietetics Students' Ability to Choose Appropriate Communication and Counseling Methods Is Improved by Teaching Behavior-Change Strategies in Computer-Assisted Instruction

ABSTRACT:

Several models and theories have been proposed to help registered dietitians (RD) counsel and communicate nutrition information to patients. However, there is little time for students or interns to observe and/or participate in counseling sessions. Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) can be used to give students more opportunity to observe the various methods and theories of counseling. This study used CAI simulations of RD client communications to examine whether students who worked through the CAI modules would choose more appropriate counseling methods. Modules were created based on information from an experienced RD. They contained videos of RD-patient interactions and demonstrated helpful and less helpful methods of communication. Students in didactic programs in dietetics accessed the modules via the Internet. The intervention group of students received a pretest module, two tutorial modules, and a posttest module. The control group only received the pretest and posttest modules. Data were collected during three semesters in 2006 and 2007. Eleven didactic programs participated. A total of 350 students were in the intervention group and 102 students were in the control group. Pretest scores were not different and the intervention group's posttest score was higher than its pretest score. There was no effect of instructor, grade point average, school year, or prior counseling on the results. The study provides evidence that the use of CAI can improve communication and counseling methods for dietetics students. (J Am Diet Assoc. 2010;110:892-7)