Determining Dietetics Students’ Readiness to Practice: an Exploration of Student Perceptions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3923/pjn.2019.178.185Keywords:
Allied health, dietetics student, dietitian, health sciences, readiness to practiceAbstract
Background and Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the readiness to practice of final-year dietetics students at UiTM, Selangor campus and to identify the factors that influence readiness to practice as a dietitian. Material and Methods: Thirty students participated in this cross-sectional study. We administered a set of validated questionnaires to assess both readiness and factors that influence readiness. Results: Most of the students (63.3%) were ready to become dietitians. However, most of the students had a low level of readiness in the areas of communication with other professionals (p<0.05) and charting (p<0.05). This study also found that the scope of the profession has a great influence on students' readiness to practice (p<0.05). In addition, the chance to help others was highlighted as the significant factor that motivates the students to continue in the field. Conclusion: The results of the current study illuminate the need for academics to consider and address the issues students face during the transition phase and the urgent need to revise and improve the curriculum.
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