Perceptions on the Benefits, Challenges, Support and Commitment towards the Role of Dietetics Clinical Instructors in Malaysia

Objective: Implementation of clinical instructors (CIs) as key trainers during practicum for the dietetics programme in Malaysia was made mandatory in 2017. CIs roles are to guide, supervise, monitor and evaluate clinical progress of dietetics interns. Their roles are critical in shaping interns to be competent. This study aims to determine CIs perception on benefits, challenges, support and commitment towards the roles as dietetics clinical instructors.

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among dietetics clinical instructors in Malaysia. Participants were recruited using total sampling. 53 participants were invited to participate in the study. The questionnaire consisted of five sections; demographic details, perceptions on benefits, challenges, support and commitment. Participants were required to rate their level of agreement to given statements on a 5-point Likert scale, from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Data was gathered using Survey Monkey platform. Scores were given for each perception domain. Statistical analysis used for the study were descriptive, Pearsons correlation coefficient and Spearmans rank correlation.

Results and Discussion: The respondents perceived good benefits by being a CI with median score 38.0 (6.0). They perceived to have minimal challenges, good support and commitment towards their roles with average of 19.004.30, 28.003.36 and 28.503.58 respectively. Keeping knowledge updated (93%) and feeling successful when students grasp the teaching (93%) were main benefits to serve as CIs. The main challenges are poor students attitude (62%) and limited time to teach vs services (62%). They feel supported by the university (80%). 95% of the respondent are willing to put in extra hours to teach dietetics interns. Support has shown to have a positive association with commitment (p value < 0.05).

Dietetics clinical instructors are generally committed to the role. With better support to the CIs, the commitment towards the role is better.