RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Impact of malnutrition management e-learning module on GPs’ knowledge: a pilot study
JF BJGP Open
JO BJGP Open
FD Royal College of General Practitioners
SP BJGPO.2022.0111
DO 10.3399/BJGPO.2022.0111
VO 7
IS 1
A1 Geraghty, Aisling A
A1 Dominguez Castro, Patricia
A1 Reynolds, Ciara ME
A1 Browne, Sarah
A1 Bourke, Frank
A1 Bradley, Catriona
A1 Finnigan, Karen
A1 Clarke, Sarah
A1 Clyne, Barbara
A1 Bury, Gerard
A1 Perrotta, Carla
A1 Kennelly, Sharon
A1 Corish, Clare A
YR 2023
UL http://bjgpopen.org/content/7/1/BJGPO.2022.0111.abstract
AB Background Malnutrition is underdiagnosed in primary care. GPs are key healthcare contacts for older adults at risk of protein-energy malnutrition; however, lack of knowledge and confidence in its diagnosis and treatment is often reported.Aim To evaluate the impact of a bespoke online education module on GP malnutrition knowledge and management.Design & setting A prospective pre—post pilot study with 23 GPs and eight GP trainees in the Republic of Ireland.Method The module included units on the following: ‘malnutrition definition, prevalence, and latest evidence’; ‘identifying malnutrition in clinical practice’; ‘food-first advice’; ‘reviewing malnutrition’; and ‘oral nutritional supplements’. Participant knowledge was measured using a multiple choice questionnaire (MCQ) before and after the module (n = 31), and 6 weeks following completion (n = 11). Case studies assessing identification and management of malnutrition were evaluated by a clinical specialist dietitian with expertise in managing malnutrition. Changes in assessment performance were calculated using paired t-tests. Acceptability was evaluated using a questionnaire.Results Post-training, 97% of GPs increased MCQ scores from baseline (+25%, P<0.001), with the greatest improvement in ‘identifying malnutrition in clinical practice’ (mean increase 47%, P<0.001). Eleven GPs completed the 6-week MCQ with scores remaining significantly higher than baseline (mean increase 15%, P = 0.005); ‘identifying malnutrition in clinical practice’ remained the most highly scored (mean increase 40%, P<0.001). Seventeen GPs completed the case studies; 76% at baseline and 88% post-module correctly calculated malnutrition risk scores. Appropriate malnutrition management improved for 47% of GPs after module completion.Conclusion This e-learning module improved malnutrition knowledge, with good short-term retention in a small cohort. Development of online evidence-based nutrition education may improve GP nutrition care.