The WHO Growth Chart Training Program has been updated to include redesigned WHO Growth Charts for Canada reissued in March 2014. It was also reviewed in 2019 by Tanis Fenton, PhD, RD, FDC.
The training program is an evidence-based, self-directed package designed for primary care and public health practitioners. It has been developed through a collaboration led by Dietitians of Canada and includes the Canadian Paediatric Society, the College of Family Physicians of Canada, Community Health Nurses of Canada, National Aboriginal Health Organization, Canadian Obesity Network and NutriSTEP®. Reviewer reference groups from each professional collaborating organization, as well as provincial/territorial representatives responsible for the implementation of the WHO Growth Charts within their jurisdictions, helped to shape this training program.
There are 5 modules in the training package, each with the following features:
- A PowerPoint presentation with accompanying script
- Evidence-based practice guidance
- Case scenarios and/or reflective practice questions to facilitate the application of the module content to practice
- Pre and post self-scoring knowledge evaluation
- Self-scoring "pop" quizzes throughout each module
- References and resources for further study
- A personal certificate of completion of each module
Each module takes approximately 45-60 minutes to complete at a time, place and pace convenient for you. While it is recommended that you use all of the training modules in sequence, the package is designed so that you can select those modules that you feel are most relevant to your learning needs. All the modules include copies of the 2014 WHO Growth Charts for Canada and the document References and Resources for Further Learning. You only need to download these materials once and refer to them as directed by the PowerPoints and scripts throughout all five modules.
Module 1 - Introduction to the WHO Growth Charts
Describes how the WHO Growth Charts were developed, their strengths and limitations, and considerations in adapting the WHO charts for Canadian children.
Module 2 - Monitoring Growth: Measurements and Calculations
Provides guidance on taking accurate measurements and the importance of doing so. Demonstrates the use of appropriate equipment for taking accurate measurements. Provides instruction on calculating BMI.
Module 3 – Interpreting the WHO Growth Charts
Guides the learner in choosing the appropriate growth charts to use and how to plot and interpret growth accurately for infants, children and adolescents.
Module 4 – Childhood Obesity
Identifies co-morbidities related to childhood overweight and obesity. Defines overweight and obesity using the WHO cut-offs. Outlines the factors that influence unhealthy weight gain in children and provides current recommendations on how to screen and identify children at risk for becoming overweight or obese.
Module 5 – Counselling to Promote Healthy Growth and Development
Identifies strategies for initiating a conversation with parents/caregivers about an overweight/obese child. Promotes healthy eating practices and regular physical activity to support healthy growth and development. Introduces motivational interviewing as a technique for supporting behaviour change.
Growth Chart related resources are also available at: www.whogrowthcharts.ca.
This course is estimated to take about 4 to 5 hours to complete. The certificate of completion will indicate 4.0 Credit Hours once you have successfully completed the program.
Price:
DC Member Price: $70.00
DC Non-Member Price: $140.00
DC Student Member Price: $35.00
Your purchase entitles you to unlimited access to course materials for 90 days from the date you register. You may purchase a 30-day extension here.
Contact contactus@dietitians.ca for more details on how to purchase this course for more than one person. Discounted rates are available for groups of students, stagiaires and interns.
Dietitians of Canada gratefully acknowledges funding for the initial development of this project made possible through a contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The views expressed in the training package do not necessarily represent the views of PHAC.
