Cooperative learning improved nutrition knowledge among geriatric nursing staff

What the study found: Cooperative learning strategies were associated with higher nutrition knowledge among nurses and nursing assistants caring for older adults.
Why the authors say this matters: The authors conclude that the findings provide direction for planners of continuing nutrition education programs about appropriate content and teaching method.
What the researchers tested: The study tested whether cooperative learning strategies would increase nutrition knowledge in a volunteer sample of 16 nurses and 28 nursing assistants in institutional communities in the Basque Country, Spain. Training consisted of 12 nutrition education sessions over 3 consecutive weeks.
What worked and what didn't: Scores increased significantly for general nutrition knowledge and for geriatric nutrition knowledge after the training. The reported mean difference between pretest and posttest scores was 14.5 +/- 10.1 for general nutrition knowledge and 4.6 +/- 4.6 for geriatric nutrition knowledge, both with P<0.001.
What to keep in mind: The abstract describes a volunteer sample from one region and does not report comparison with a control group. Other limitations are not described in the available summary.

Key points

• The study found higher nutrition knowledge after cooperative learning sessions.
• Participants were 16 nurses and 28 nursing assistants caring for older adults.
• Training included 12 nutrition education sessions over 3 consecutive weeks.
• Both general nutrition knowledge and geriatric nutrition knowledge increased significantly.
• The abstract does not describe a control group or other study limitations.