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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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| 2 | Editor's Perspective
Susan Roberts, MS, RD, LD, CNSD
Getting involved in research may seem overwhelming or unrealistic to
many dietitians, but it is essential for moving our specialty field of
nutrition support forward. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) is
a very strong advocate for nutrition research, suggesting that research
serves as the basis for the practice, education, and policy of the
nutrition profession. The goal of this issue of Support Line is to provide
nutrition support dietitians (NSDs) with more knowledge and
confidence to become involved in research. |
| 2 | Chair's Column
Jennifer A. Wooley, MS, RD, CNSD
Depending on when you receive this issue of Support Line, we're either
gearing up for the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition's
Clinical Nutrition Week (CNW) in Las Vegas, NV, or recovering from the
week's excitement. |
| 3 | Developing the Research Question and Study Design
Lauren M. Beckman, MS, RD, Carrie P. Earthman, PhD, RD
Research entails investigation of a problem
that results in new information or conclusions.
The research process is complex and requires
detailed thought, planning, and creativity.
The first step in the process is to develop the
research question, which describes a gap in
knowledge and can be answered through
systematic investigation. Several characteristics
need to be considered when conceptualizing
the research question, including importance,
specificity, measurability, and feasibility of
the question. The question also should be
empirically derived, based on prior knowledge,
and be of significant interest to the researcher.
Key areas for consideration in formulating
the study design include whether the study
will be experimental or observational, if the
data will be qualitative or quantitative, how
frequently data will be collected, and what
instrument(s) will be used for data collection.
This article outlines the steps involved in developing a research question and designing
a study that effectively answers the question. |
| 8 | Critical Appraisal of Nutrition Support Research
Joseph Krenitsky, MS, RD
The process of carefully evaluating the
methods and results of research publications,
also known as critical appraisal, is an essential
component of evidence-based practice.
Mastery of critical appraisal can be a powerful
asset for the nutrition support professional.
Providing recommendations for the individual
patient that are supported by the
best available data can enhance credibility
with other members of the health care
team. An understanding of basic research
methodology and an eye for detail are the
essential tools for critical appraisal. This
article provides an overview of various types
of studies, practical research methods, and
key components of a published study that
must be considered in the critical appraisal
of results and conclusions. Suggestions and
tips are offered to promote efficient, accurate,
and successful application of nutrition
support into clinical practice. |
| 17 | Why Dietitians Can Be Great Researchers
J. Scott Parrott, PhD
Although participation in research has been
identified as a key part of advanced dietetics
practice, many dietitians do not include
research as part of their practice. Some
believe they do not have adequate training or
skills to participate in practice-based research.
However, many of the skills necessary for
dietetics practice are similar
to the skills needed to understand statistical
procedures and participate in research.
This article elucidates those similarities and
provides concrete strategies for dietitians
to enhance their statistical knowledge and
participate in practice-based research. |
| 22 | Institutional Review Board Review: A Collaborative Process
Elizabeth H. Cothran, MS, CIP
Understanding the history and importance
of protecting individuals who participate
in research can aid in overcoming the fear
and intimidation of the entire submission
process. The objective of this article is to
present the history, regulatory guidelines,
and typical steps in the process of institutional
review board (IRB) review of
research involving human subjects. A regulatory
definition of research involving
human subjects, examples of types of
research that may be conducted, the regulatory
criteria for approval, and the types
of review that can be conducted by the IRB
are provided. Additional discussion
focuses on the requirement to obtain
informed consent, the required elements
of informed consent, and the types of
research that might qualify for waiver of
informed consent or waiver of documentation
of informed consent. Finally, examples
are provided of the ongoing interactions
that must occur between the researcher
and the IRB while conducting a study, and
guidance is offered on how to find out
which IRB may be designated to review
the study. |
Copyright 2010 Dietitians in Nutrition Support, ADA.
All material appearing in SUPPORT LINE is covered by copyright and may be
photocopied or otherwise reproduced for noncommercial scientific or educational
purposes only, provided the source is acknowledged. Written consent from the
managing editor is required for any other purpose.
Viewpoints and statements in these materials do not necessarily reflect
the policies and/or official positions of The American Dietetic Association or DNS.
SUPPORT LINE (ISSN 1067-3768) is published bi-monthly. $60 for individual
non-member subscriptions, $120 for institutions per year (plus postage surcharges
for international subscriptions). Newsletter subscriptions are available to interested
parties who are ineligible for ADA membership. Published by Dietitians in
Nutrition Support, a dietetic practice group of The American Dietetic Association
(ADA), 120 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000, Chicago, IL 60606. Send requests for
subscriptions to Jamie Diamond, MS, RD, CNSD, 3850 Galt Ocean Drive, Apt.
2009, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. For address changes: Please submit name and
address changes directly to the Membership Team of the American Dietetic
Association using the address change card in the Journal of the American Dietetic
Association. SUPPORT LINE is indexed in the Cumulative Index to Nursing and
Allied Health Literature.
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FOR THIS ISSUE: EditorSusan Roberts, MS, RD, LD, CNSD
3911 Kramar Court
Arlington, TX 76016
214/820-6751
Managing EditorDeborah K. Kuhlman
921 N. Western Avenue
Park Ridge, IL 60068
847/692-3407
Associate EditorsTherese Austin, MS, RD, CNSD
Kathy Logan,, MS, RD, CNSD
Associate Editor, Continuing Education:Neha Parekh, MS, RD, CNSD
Associate Editor, Writer's Mentoring:Marcia Kalista-Richards, MPH, RD, CNSD
Contributing Editor, Inquire Here:Gail Cresci, MS, RD, CNSD
Membership/Subscriptions:Jamie Diamond, MMS, PA-C, RD
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