Study Title
Feasibility of Face-to-Face and Online Learning Methods to Provide Nutrition Education to Midwives, General Practice Nurses, and Student Nurses.
Principal Investigator
Catherine Jane Lucas, Ellen Lyell, Britney Koch, Victoria Elder, Leanne Cummins, Sarah Lambert, Anne T McMahon, Karen E Charlton.
Affiliation
University of Wollongong, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Deakin University, University of Wollongong, Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute.
Start Date
August 2016.
End Date
September 2017.
Study Objective
To assess the feasibility of delivering both face-to-face and online nutrition education to midwives, general practice nurses, and student nurses, and to evaluate its impact on nutrition knowledge and confidence.
Short Abstract
This study evaluated the feasibility of providing nutrition education through face-to-face workshops and online learning to midwives, general practice nurses, and student nurses. The study showed significant improvements in nutrition knowledge and confidence across all modules, though completion rates were low. Both face-to-face and online learning were positively received, with participants expressing a preference for flexible, online delivery despite some technical challenges.
Study Design
A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design with three arms: face-to-face with midwives, online with nursing students, and online with midwives and general practice nurses.
Population
Midwives, nursing students, and general practice nurses in Australia.
Sample Size
40 participants across three arms (midwives: 10, nursing students: 11, midwives and practice nurses: 19).
Inclusion Criteria
Midwives, general practice nurses, and nursing students recruited through email and online advertisements.
Exclusion Criteria
None specified.
Intervention/Exposure
The delivery of nutrition education modules through face-to-face workshops or online learning platforms.
Outcome Measures
- Changes in nutrition knowledge (assessed via pre- and post-test scores).
- Confidence in delivering nutrition care to patients.
Funding Source
Supported by the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship and University of Wollongong Global Challenges PhD Top-Up Scholarship.
Collaborating Institutions
University of Wollongong, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Deakin University.
Ethics Approval
Approved by the University of Wollongong and Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (HE15-120).
Publication Status
Published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, 2019.
Keywords
Nutrition education, midwives, general practice nurses, online learning, face-to-face workshops.
Data Collection Methods
Pre- and post-test surveys on nutrition knowledge and confidence, as well as participant feedback on learning methods.
Primary Data Availability
Data available upon reasonable request.
Contact Information
Catherine Jane Lucas,