Attitudes and Perceptions of the Dietetic Internship Preceptor Role by Arizona Nutrition Professionals

Abstract

Attitudes and perceptions on the role of preceptors in dietetic internships were assessed by an online survey among 552 registered dietitians and other nutrition professionals. Significant differences were observed in the scores concerning the value of the preceptor role, institutional support for precepting, and benefits of interns by preceptor experience categories. More nonpreceptors wanted input on selection and scheduling interns, preceptor training, and access to an "on-call" preceptor specialist than current or former preceptors. Continuing professional education units were more popular than financial compensation as an incentive for supervising interns. Addressing these concerns may encourage greater dietetic internship preceptor participation.

Training interns in nutrition and dietetics: a cross-sectional study of the barriers and motivators to being a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist preceptor

“…This national random sample survey with RDN and NDTR professionals identified differences by preceptor experience category in attitudes and perceptions of the dietetic internship preceptor role, institutional support, intern value, and preferred incentives to precept. Despite the important role preceptors perform by supervising dietetic interns during their experiential learning, little research has been conducted examining these aspects of the precepting experience for the dietetics profession [12][13][14][15][16][17][18], although other health professions have explored the precepting experience [6][7][8][9][10][11]20]. If the dietetics profession hopes to address the imbalance between didactic program graduates and available internship positions [3,4], and address the needs of the workforce by keeping up with the growth rate of the number of jobs for RDNs [1], additional preceptors will be needed to increase experiential learning opportunities.…”

“…The survey instrument was adapted from a previous published instrument [ 18 ]. During the development of the previous published instrument [ 18 ], 20 current DI preceptors, 5 non-preceptors, and 3 internship directors were asked about incentives and barriers associated with being a preceptor. They were also queried regarding interactions with interns.…”

“…Themes identified from the interviews were developed into a survey for a formal pilot study with 24 current preceptors who did not participate in the initial interviews. Construct and content validity feedback from the pilot test respondents was used to refine the questionnaire used in the previous study [ 18 ]. For this study, adaptations to the previous published instrument were made to address limitations identified from the previous study [ 18 ], and the revised instrument was validated via external content review which included pretesting and post-test evaluation and feedback with four pilot respondents.…”

“…While other health professions have explored the attitudes and perceptions associated with precepting, including the desired benefits and perceived barriers associated with the role [6][7][8][9][10][11], limited research has been conducted in the area of nutrition and dietetics despite the critical role preceptors play in the education and training of future RDNs and NDTRs [12][13][14][15][16][17][18]. Understanding what motivates practitioners to not only become preceptors, but to continue precepting, as well as the barriers to serving as a preceptor, is important if the dietetic profession is to successfully recruit sufficient preceptors now and in the future.…”

Arizona Registered Dietitians Show Gaps in Knowledge of Bean Health Benefits

“…These skills are particularly needed when it comes to promoting nutritional habits for persons with type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases [ 19 , 20 ]. RDs may also precept interns, and thus their attitudes and breadth of experience influences the next generation of dietitians as well [ 21 ].…”