Enhancing didactic education through participation in a clinical research project

The purpose of this study was to assess self-evaluation of knowledge and sk ills (eg, counseling, education, interviewing, and assessment skills) of st udents participating as research assistants. Fifteen students enrolled in t he Dietetics Program (n=10) or the Graduate Program in Nutrition (n=5) were recruited as research assistants via flyers and announcements in nutrition courses. These students assisted faculty researchers with their clinical s tudy called "Weight Loss Effects on Bone Mass in Adolescent Females." The c linical study included a comprehensive 6-month weight-loss program. Surveys asking students to evaluate their experience as research assistants were m ailed with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to all 15 student research as sistants, followed by a reminder telephone call. Thirteen surveys (87%) wer e returned. On a Likert scale (1=poor, 5=excellent) student research assist ants scored 63% of the knowledge-based and skill-based requirements of thei r research participation as "good" (mean score greater than or equal to 4.0 ) and 27% as "adequate" (4.0 greater than or equal to mean greater than or equal to 3.5). Open-ended questions reported the research experience to be beneficial in developing knowledge and skills and in identifying knowledge deficits (eg, behavior modification). According to our findings, it seems t hat participation in clinical research enhances students' knowledge and ski lls and, thus, is valuable in preparing dietetics students for future pract ice.