Frequently Asked Questions for BDA Members
What is Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition?
Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition (PEN) is a unique online knowledge translation tool which aims to translate the available knowledge base (research and guidelines) for over 165 different nutrition and dietetic topics. This means that subscribers will have access to the pre-appraised evidence giving succinct answers to thousands of practice questions alongside the opportunity to read more about the appraised evidence at a time which suits them. Links to the original research articles and guidelines are provided as are links to thousands of client and practitioner tools and resources.
Why has it been made available as a BDA membership benefit?
As part of the BDA’s strategic plan our vision is to ensure UK dietitians are recognised as leaders in the development, application and translation of the nutrition and dietetic evidence base and leaders in healthcare involved in service change, improvement and delivery. We believe that PEN addresses the potential barriers between the published research and practitioners implementing it into practice. This includes addressing potential time, access, monetary and skills shortages.
How do I register for my ‘free’ subscription?
Go to http://www.pennutrition.com/index.aspx click on the ‘subscribe to PEN’ tab which can be found in the top right hand corner. This takes you to a page where you choose your partnership organisation. Click on the tab which says British Dietetic Association.
You now need to create an account.
Enter your name and email address and if so wished your contact telephone number and your company/employers name into the appropriate fields.
Choose a username and password
Read the licence agreement and check the box to say that you agree with the terms.
Click on the ‘start free trial’ tab.
You can then convert your trial to a subscription
You will be required to enter your address and also your BDA membership number in order to access your free annual subscription.
I have already registered but can’t remember my username - How do I find it?
A member of staff who has administration access will need to find this for you.
Please call 0121 200 8046 or email globalpen@bda.uk.com
For data protection and confidentiality reasons please be advised that the staff member will check some personal details with you to ensure your correct identity.
I have already registered but have forgotten my password; How do I get a password reminder?
Go to www.pennutrition.com and click on the ‘Forgot it?’ tab underneath the password box on the right hand side of the screen. You will be directed to the ‘Lost password’ page. Here you will be required to enter your username and then click the ‘Send reset link’ tab. A password reminder will be sent to your registered email address.
I have reset my password but haven’t received a reminder, what do I do?
A member of staff with admin rights will need to confirm that the correct email address is held.
Please call 0121 200 8046 or email globalpen@bda.uk.com and ask the member of staff to check that the correct email address in held for you.
How do I review my personal details?
Go to www.pennutrition.com and log in with your username and password. Click on the ‘My Profile’ tab. If you want to change your name, email address or username, click on the ‘Edit profile’ tab remembering to click save once you have changed the details.
I was previously a paid subscriber and my current membership runs past 1st March, Will I be refunded?
As ‘free’ PEN subscriptions are available for all members from 1st March 2012, all existing members whose subscription runs passed this date will have their previous subscription pro-rated and where applicable a refund will be made.
How do I receive my refund?
Contact our accounts department Crossleys Accountants on 01634 840440 by 9th March 2012. Give your name and BDA membership number. If you would like to have the refund transferred into your account this will be done around 15th March. Refunds by cheque will take slightly longer.
I have noticed that there is limited content for my field of practice/that my field of practice needs updating and would like to get involved - What do I do?
You can submit a practice question by clicking on the ‘Submit a practice question’ tab on the right hand side of the PEN home page. Practice questions are answered following a recognised need from within the profession so the more people that asked the same/similar question the more likelihood there is of the question being answered.
If you have identified that a pathway or question needs updating and you believe that you have the appropriate skills to carry out a review of the evidence base send your CV to globalpen@bda.uk.com or contact our BDA PEN Team via Ingrid Darnley Policy Officer Clinical Quality: phone 0121 200 8076 to discuss the possibility of becoming a PEN author or reviewer.
You may wish to take a look at the PEN writer’s guide which is available on the PEN home page.
