Computer-assisted instruction on drug-nutrient interactions for long-term caregivers Article

Magnus, MH, Roe, DA. (1991). Computer-assisted instruction on drug-nutrient interactions for long-term caregivers . Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, 23(1), 10-17. 10.1016/S0022-3182(12)80448-1

cited authors

  • Magnus, MH; Roe, DA

abstract

  • A microcomputer inservice program on drug-nutrient interactions was developed and evaluated at a 242-bed geriatric facility. Interviews with dietary, medical, and nursing staff were conducted to identify their nutrition information needs. The program included an introductory session, a discussion session, and interactive self-instruction on IBM-PCs. Reference manuals were developed and placed in each unit of the facility. Modest program participation and knowledge gains were associated with clinically and statistically significant decreases in the rate of definite drug-nutrient interactions in the short term. Pre-post decreases in the rates of interactions among 81 patients were more likely to take place among older patients, among males, and among patients in skilled nursing units. Drug-nutrient interactions due to appetite-altering drugs, along with interactions due to drugs that alter therapeutic effects, showed the most significant decreases in the frequency of interactions. This evaluation research suggests that a variety of educational approaches—an introductory session, computer-assisted instruction, a discussion session, and reference manuals—may be effective for lowering the rates of drug-nutrient interactions by making relatively innocuous procedural changes in long-term care. The limitations of the study design indicate an urgent need to independently test for the effect of each educational approach on improved patient outcomes. © 1991, Society for Nutrition Education and Behavior. All rights reserved.

authors

publication date

  • January 1, 1991

published in

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

start page

  • 10

end page

  • 17

volume

  • 23

issue

  • 1