title: Phase II Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition (PEN) evaluation: interviews with key informants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Dietitians of Canada has collaborated with experts in knowledge translation and transfer, technology, and dietetic practice to develop and implement an innovative online decision-support system called Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition (PEN). A study was conducted to evaluate the perceived facilitators and barriers that enable dietitians to use or prevent them from using PEN.
  
  
  METHODS
  As part of the overall evaluation framework of PEN, a qualitative descriptive research design was used to address the research purpose. Individual, semi-structured telephone interviews with 17 key informants were completed, and the interview transcripts underwent qualitative content analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Respondents identified several facilitators of and barriers to PEN use. Facilitators included specificity to dietetics, rigorous/expert review, easy accessibility, current content, credible/secure material, well-organized/easy-to-use material, material that is valuable to practice, and good value for money. Barriers included perceived high cost, fee structuring/cost to students, certain organizational aspects, and a perceived lack of training for pathway contributors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This formative evaluation has indicated areas in which PEN could be improved and strategies to make PEN the standard for dietetic education and practice. Ensuring that PEN is meeting users' knowledge needs is of the utmost importance if dietitians are to remain on the cutting edge of scientific inquiry.
authors.affiliation: Department of Applied Human Nutrition, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
authors.forename: Fran Martin
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Bowden
authors.forename: Daphne
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lordly
authors.forename: Jayne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Thirsk
authors.forename: Lynda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Corby
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D003658:Decision Making, Computer-Assisted; D004046:Dietetics / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination / Q000379:methods; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D011361:Professional Competence; D013664:Teaching Materials / Q000191:economics