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The purpose of this study was to assess the usage of distance education in undergraduate dietetics programs. Additionally, the possibility of obtaining an undergraduate degree in dietetics via distance education was examined. The population receiving the survey research was all directors (279) of Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE) approved/accredited undergraduate programs listed in the 2001-2002 Directory of Dietetics Programs. This included the Didactic Programs in Dietetics and Coordinated Programs. A database of the 54% survey respondents was compiled and a numerical summary was done. Frequencies of the responses were determined. Cross-tabulations using chi-square tests were done with Minitab Statistical Software (version 13.1) to determine demographic influence as it related to key responses, p <.05. The findings of the survey were compared with demographic information to look for relationships between the characteristics of the higher education institutions and their likelihood of offering distance education. The dietetics program directors indicated that 32% (n=150) of undergraduate dietetics programs offer distance education courses in some format. Land grant universities were significantly more likely to offer dietetics distance education courses, but less likely to offer non-dietetics distance education courses. Institutions that accept transfer dietetics distance education courses from accredited institutions were more likely to offer dietetics distance education courses. Institutions that offer non-dietetics courses by distance education were more likely to offer dietetics courses by distance education. The most common distance education format utilized in dietetics was 100% Internet courses (48%). The majority of dietetics programs that offer distance education offer a basic or introductory nutrition course (31%). Perceived barriers to distance education in dietetics most frequently included faculty time constraints (34%), lack of resources (17%) and lack of student and faculty demand or interest (11%). Suggestions for encouraging the development of dietetics distance education courses included give faculty more preparation or release time, or hire more staff (32%), acquire adequate resources (17%) and faculty training (12%). From the data of courses offered or permitted to be transferred, it would not be possible for a student to complete a four-year undergraduate degree in dietetics solely via distance education methodologies. / Graduation date: 2002

This study was conducted to investigate attitudes of dietitians regarding ethical dilemmas surrounding nutritional support for terminally ill patients. In addition, the methods and adequacy of ethics training received in dietetics education and in supervised experience programs, such as the Approved Preprofessional Practice Program (AP4), Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CPD), dietetic internship (DI), or any other experience approved by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), was researched. A mailed questionnaire was sent to 147 dietitians living in Virginia with one to three years of clinical experience. Of the 144 deliverable questionnaires, 104 (72.2%) were returned, and results were tabulated. Data analysis included descriptive analyses, Pearson's correlation coefficient tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) of selected variables. Results indicated that the majority of the dietitians surveyed were women younger than 40 years old who reasoned contextually in decisions regarding termination of nutritional support, had little or no formal ethics education, and held either bachelor's or master's degrees. Dietitians who felt more confident with making ethical decisions were significantly more contextually influenced in nutritional support decisions than those who were somewhat, or not at all, confident. Those who said they brought spiritual beliefs to bear to a great extent in ethical decision making used more absolute principles in their decision-making. There were no differences in attitudes or ethics training relative to which supervised experience was completed, or to the highest degree attained. Most dietitians have not had formal ethics training, and they are not confident in ethical decision-making. Therefore, dietetics education may need to focus on ethics training to enable future dietitians to effectively deal with ethical dilemmas they will face in their professional lives. / Master of Science