| Abstrakt: |
Purpose/Objectives This study investigated the use of electronic and paper-based point-of-service (POS) systems in school nutrition programs (SNPs), including associated challenges and the desired skills and existing training practices for personnel handling such systems. Methods A questionnaire was developed based on interviews with 25 SNP management staff, pilot-tested, and revised. The link to the online questionnaire was emailed to 1,500 SNP directors in 14 states. An additional 500 paper-based questionnaires were mailed to SNP directors in small districts or private/charter schools. Descriptive statistics were summarized using SPSS software. Results There were 319 respondents, and 272 used an electronic system only; 22 of them used a paperbased system only; 21 used a combination of electronic and paper-based POS systems; and 4 contained missing data. Technical support from vendors (n = 221) was the most important factor for electronic POS system selection. The ability to customize reports (n = 35, 10.0%) and interface with district student data management systems (n = 21, 6.6%) were indicated as the main challenges. Small school or district size (n = 29, 9.1%) was the main reason for using a paper-based POS system. Concerns for paper-based system users pertained to accuracy of reimbursable meal counts (n = 28, 8.8%) and time lag in data processing (n = 27, 8.5%). Good customer service (n = 183, 57.4%) and computer literacy (n = 160, 50.2%) were desirable skills for POS handlers. Multiple individuals such as district directors and POS system vendors were involved in providing POS training which varied in frequency, format, and length between small and large districts. Applications to Child Nutrition Professionals Electronic POS systems were more prevalent than paper-based systems in SNPs, but challenges existed for both types of systems. School nutrition management staff should consider price, compatibility, functionality, and technical support prior to purchasing a POS system. For SNPs where paper-based POS systems are used, best practices in data management may need to be developed and communicated with directors to improve accuracy of reports. POS training by qualified individuals should be provided regularly to ensure accuracy of transactions and reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
