Simulations teach managaement and nutrition counseling skills

Simulations may help dietitians, nutritionists, nutrition educators, and students develop communication and management skills needed in their relationships with patients and clients. Simulations provide users with the experience required to effect behavior change. Interactive computer simulations present realistic problem-solving, decision-making, and role-playing situations, in which immediate feedback is given. Videotape simulations enable users to practice interviewing and counseling. Simulations should be carefully designed, tested, and integrated into an existing course or program, and complementary supplemental materials should be planned. Although simulations have certain time, cost, and technical limitations, they have great potential in dietetic education. (nm)