Biomedical subjects

M R Lawler

Publications and source records attributed to M R Lawler.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1987

Perceptions of competency attainment in community dietetics: academic Plan IV vs. dietetic internship.

A national survey of Plan IV representatives, internship directors, and dietetic interns was conducted to determine the perceived level of competence in community dietetics upon completion of academic coursework. Interns also rated their perceived competence in community dietetics near the end of internships. All major and specific responsibilities from the ADA Role Delineation and Verification for Entry-Level Positions in Community Dietetics were included in the survey questionnaire. Completed questionnaires were received from 447 dietetic interns (60%), 47 internship directors (57%), and 59 Plan IV representatives (39%). Highly significant differences were found among the three groups, with Plan IV representatives' expectations highest and students' lowest. Work experience prior to internship affected mean ratings on selected responsibilities. Unlike the results of the previous studies in clinical dietetics and foodservice systems management, the ratings in community dietetics did not reach their highest until the last month of the internship. Findings from all three areas of dietetic practice suggest that students' perceived competence is considerably lower upon completion of Plan IV than after completion of an internship, indicating need for defined work experience. Different teaching techniques, i.e., lecture vs. hands-on, could be related to different ratings of perceived competence within and between practice areas.

Competency-Based Education↗

PubMed1986

Perceptions of competency attainment in clinical dietetics: academic Plan IV vs. dietetic internships.

A national survey of all Plan IV representatives and dietetic internship directors in programs with a general or clinical emphasis was conducted to determine the level of competence in clinical dietetics expected of Plan IV graduates. Dietetic interns were asked to rate themselves on competency attainment at the beginning and near the end of the internship. The ADA's Role Delineation Study for Entry-level Personnel in Clinical Dietetics was used as the basis for the survey questionnaire. Completed questionnaires were returned by 137 Plan IV representatives (54%), 71 dietetic internship directors (75%), and 530 dietetic interns (62%). Highly significant differences were found among the three groups. Plan IV representatives had higher expectations of students than internship directors. Interns consistently rated their competency levels for all responsibilities below those indicated by either group of directors. All three groups indicated that students were better prepared for client-focus responsibilities than for professional or organizational-level responsibilities. Interns' self-ratings suggested that similar amounts of learning occurred in each of the three areas during the internship. Nutrition-related work experience immediately prior to the internship influenced students' perceived competency level at the beginning of the internship, but differences between those students and the ones with other or no work experience were overcome as students neared the end of their internships. For most major responsibilities, the students' perceived levels of competence did not change after the first few months of the internship.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed1986

Perception of competency attainment in foodservice management: academic Plan IV vs. dietetic internship.

A national survey of 487 dietetic interns (61%), 63 internship directors (76%), and 68 Plan IV representatives (45%) utilized ADA entry-level role responsibilities in foodservice systems management. Student respondents rated perceived competence at the start and near completion of the internship. Program directors rated expected competence at the start of the internship. The three groups differed significantly on mean responses, with interns' ratings lowest and Plan IV representatives' ratings highest. Interns' mean ratings suggested that work experience just prior to starting an internship increased competence somewhat, regardless of type of work. Work during college was not included in the analysis. Interns' mean ratings also suggested that competence peaked some weeks before internship completion. Level of competence averaged about 6 on a scale of 0 to 7 at that time. Starting competence averaged about 2.5 to 3, indicating that Plan IV contribution is substantial but internship experience is essential for entry-level performance. Foodservice systems management competence levels compare very favorably with those previously reported for clinical dietetics.

Dietetics↗

PubMed1984

Copper and zinc in selected foods.

Few data on the copper and zinc contents of convenience items and frozen foods have been reported in the literature. In this study, selected meats, frozen vegetables, and convenience items were analyzed for copper and zinc content by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Foods found to have the highest copper content tended to be highest in zinc as well. Beef liver was an outstanding source of both minerals. Protein foods were generally good sources of zinc, supplying more than 2 mg/100-gm serving. Foods containing more than 0.2 mg copper per 100 gm were considered to be good sources. Examples included chicken livers, garbanzo beans, frozen Mexican-style dinner, and frozen brownies. Most of the other foods analyzed contained relatively small amounts of copper and zinc. Nevertheless, the contribution of such foods to the total daily copper and zinc intake illustrates the desirability of including a wide variety of foods in the diet.

Animals↗

PubMed1973