EFAD - The voice of dietitians in Europe

VIII Congreso Iberoamericano de Nutrición. ¿Nutrición basada en la videncia o en la evidencia

Report 4: The Dissemination Potential of a European Network

The report that follows represents an extraordinary and unique exchange of information. Unfolding here are the capabilities for dissemination and exploitation in the EU-funded Thematic Network ‘Dietitians Implementing Education and Training Standards’ in Europe (DIETS). At the beginning of the Network there were 112 Partners and about 500 registered users of the DIETS website, but over a three-year period this has increased to 123 Partners and well over 1000 users. The activity of these Partners and their determination to publicise the Network and, more importantly, the role of the dietitian, has been immense and sometimes difficult to capture. However, captured in this report are the learning and change to practice that has resulted, as well as closer engagement between HEIs and their dietetic departments across Europe. Some of the good practice described here will be of value to others starting this type of journey. This network of HEIs, their dietetic colleagues and others will endure long after the DIETS Network has finished its work, largely due to the enthusiasm of the Partners and the social network that has been built and embedded. The ultimate benefit to dietitians, through education, lifelong learning and their contribution to nutritional health in Europe will continue to unfold

Report 1: building a technologically informed information and communication network in europe

This report represents an extraordinary and unique exchange of information across Europe through the creation of a website and learning how to use technology more effectively. Over the three-year period the capabilities conducted as part the EU funded Thematic Network „Dietitians Implementing Education and Training Standards‟ in Europe (DIETS) are presented here. The number of users registered to access the intranet (password-protected) section of the website grew rapidly from 0 at launch to 965 by the end of the third year. A great deal of learning and change to practice has resulted as well as closer engagement between HEIs and their dietetic departments across Europe. This Network of HEIs and their dietetic colleagues will endure long after the DIETS Network has finished its work, largely due to the enhanced ITC capabilities. The ultimate benefit to the dietetic profession, their education and lifelong learning and their contribution to nutritional health in Europe will continue to unfol

Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in a UK university identifies dynamics of transmission

AbstractUnderstanding SARS-CoV-2 transmission in higher education settings is important to limit spread between students, and into at-risk populations. In this study, we sequenced 482 SARS-CoV-2 isolates from the University of Cambridge from 5 October to 6 December 2020. We perform a detailed phylogenetic comparison with 972 isolates from the surrounding community, complemented with epidemiological and contact tracing data, to determine transmission dynamics. We observe limited viral introductions into the university; the majority of student cases were linked to a single genetic cluster, likely following social gatherings at a venue outside the university. We identify considerable onward transmission associated with student accommodation and courses; this was effectively contained using local infection control measures and following a national lockdown. Transmission clusters were largely segregated within the university or the community. Our study highlights key determinants of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and effective interventions in a higher education setting that will inform public health policy during pandemics.</jats:p

Using information technology to share experiences and enhance communication skills 2006-2009

This report follows the unique exchange of information across Europe that took place through visits conducted as part the EU-funded Thematic Network ‘Dietitians Implementing Education and Training Standards’ in Europe (DIETS). A great deal of learning and change to practice was anecdotally reported from the face-to-face visits. These will take time to implement following focussed reflection. This report attempts to capture some of these reflections. Reflection across great distances was an environmental and resource challenge. The meetings were therefore conducted ‘virtually’ using information technology available to the Partners. This had the added advantage of improving further the ITC skills of the Partners. Finally, students were encouraged to undertake joint meetings or seminars and these are also reported. Using ITC successfully, and building the confidence of Partners, has increased the capabilities of the Network of HEIs and their dietetic practice placement colleagues. These improvements will endure long after the DIETS Network has finished its work. The ultimate benefit to the dietitians, through education, lifelong learning and their contribution to nutritional health in Europe will continue to unfold.Tunings Educational Structures in Europe Erasmus Thematic Networks (Socrates