Diabetes Training for Dietitians: Needs Assessment, Program Description, and Effects on Knowledge and Problem Solving

Abstract Recent changes in management and medical nutrition therapy for diabetes mellitus. have produced a need to retrain many practicing dietitians. To meet this need, a multidisciplinary group experienced in medical nutrition therapy and educational methods used a formal needs-assessment process to design a new training program. Sugar is Not a Poison (SNAP): The Dietitian's New Role in Diabetes Management is a 21/2-day program that uses written text, didactic presentation, and exercises that simulate patient encounters to accomplish 12 learning objectives. Program evaluations show high levels of participant satisfaction. Mean (±standard deviation) scores on pre- and posttests of knowledge and problem solving were 69±13% and 86±9%, respectively ( P J Am Diet Assoc. 2000; 100:225-228.