Article 2001

Multiskilling: A course to increase multidisciplinary skills in future dietetics professionals

Journal of Allied Health
Journal · Vol. 30 · Issue 4 · pp. 239-243
Abstract

Multiskilling, or cross training, can enable students to gain the knowledge and skills to become proficient practitioners. This article describes a multiskilling course designed to increase dietetics students' awareness of diverse healthrelated skills and to enhance their ability to develop new skills for future practice. Allied health professionals lectured on and demonstrated cardiopulmonary resuscitation, stress management, dysphagia and swallowing evaluation, adaptive feeding devices, exercise testing, monitoring of vital signs, and multi-department management. Results of course-evaluation surveys distributed to the students (n = 12) on the last day were extremely positive, with an overall mean rating of 1.07 on a scale of 1 (highest) to 4, indicating that the course included appropriate information, assignments, and evaluation mechanisms. This study provides preliminary evidence that a didactic experience can enhance students' awareness of other allied health professions. Through "hands-on" activities, students can become more confident in their knowledge and in the skills needed to function effectively as members and leaders of healthcare teams.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Not provided

Index Keywords

human Humans Article Vocational education curriculum education United States patient care professional competence program evaluation methodology competency-based education dietetics Education, Professional patient care team health care quality
Author Affiliations
College of Nursing, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
References 10 References
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7 Johnson, Jean E., Meeting patient needs through multiskilling., NursingConnections, 8, 3, pp. 1-3, (1995)
8 Collins, Amy Linn, Multiskilling: A Survey of Occupational Therapy Practitioners' Attitudes, American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 51, 9, pp. 748-753, (1997)
9 Technical report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Multiskilling., ASHA. Supplement, 38, 2 Suppl 16, pp. 53-60, (1996)
10 Pietranton, Arlene A., Multiskilling. A renaissance or a dark age?, ASHA, 37, 6-7, pp. 37-40, (1995)
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Document Identifiers
  • EID 2-s2.0-0035752725
  • PubMed 11828586
  • Language English