Postregistration training and education: the NAGE experience

Background: This paper reviews the NAGE postregistration course and describ es how it has responded to the changing demands of the major stakeholders i n the health and social care sectors. It demonstrates how the course team h ave fulfilled the stated aims and objectives and sought to provide a rich e xperience far the course participants while being aware of the changing nee ds of the National Health Service (NHS] and expectations of dietitians, oth er health professionals and the wider community, particularly with the form ation of Primary Care Groups [PCGs). Evidence to inform this review is draw n from a range of sources including dietetic managers, dietitians working w ith older people, past participants and course evaluations. Aims: The overall purpose of the course has been La enhance the ability of the participants, i.e. dietitians working with older people, to reflect an their professional practice and became more effective in their membership o f the multidisiciplinary team, with the ultimate goal of improving the prov ision of health care for alder people and enhancing their quality of life. This ultimate goal is in line with the government quality Agenda as reflect ed in the First Class Service and clinical effectiveness and the future Nat ional Service Framework for Cider People. Structure: The review is divided into three broad sections: detailed reflec tion of the courses held; nutrition and dietetic managers views; changes in the external environment that directly and indirectly influence the course .