Get involved with PEN®

Our goal is to have all PEN content reviewed by dietetic practitioners who practice across different practice areas. We want to develop a network of volunteers that we can connect with when PEN knowledge pathways are updated. Read below to learn how you can lend your expertise to reviewing new and updated PEN content.

New and Updated PEN Content
Reviewer Resources
Reasons to Review for the PEN System
Frequently Asked Questions

New and Updated PEN Content

Knowledge Pathways - Get involved as a Knowledge Co-Creator

We are developing new content using a knowledge co-creation process. We are seeking expressions of interest in the following topic area:

  • (There are no opportunities at this time)

Knowledge Pathways - Get involved as a Topic Advisor

We are updating the following PEN Knowledge Pathways. We are interested in your input on what PEN Practice Questions we should include in our Knowledge Pathways that reflect everyday practice situations dietitians face working in these practice areas:

  • COPD
  • Mental Health
  • Mental Health - Eating Disorders

Contact the PEN Content Manager (coordinator@pennutrition.com) to learn how you can contribute.

Practice Questions and Backgrounds - Get involved as a Reviewer

Did you know that all PEN Practice Questions are peer-reviewed by experts in the field, just like journal articles? We collaborate with more than 400 PEN Reviewers globally to provide feedback to ensure the quality, access and clarity of PEN content to ensure it is helpful to practitioners. We welcome your expertise on the following topics:


  • Chronic Kidney Disease
  • Drug/Nutrient Interactions
  • Weight/Obesity - Dietary Supplements

Contact the PEN Content Manager (coordinator@pennutrition.com) to learn how you can review PEN content.

PEN Client Handouts - Get involved as a Handout Reviewer

PEN client handouts are reviewed by dietetic practitioners who practice within the handout’s related practice area within Canada. We are looking for practitioners with expertise in the following areas who we can call upon to review handouts when related knowledge pathway content is updated and sparks a handout update:

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Gastrointestinal disease
  • Gerontology
  • Endocrinology/medicine
  • Pediatrics - infant and child nutrition
  • Oncology

  • Email the PEN Resource Manager (jane.bellman@dietitians.ca) to learn more about the current handout review topics and to assess if they are related to your area of practice.   

Reviewer Resources

Reviewers Guide to the PEN Content Management System - PCMS
This document provides reviewers with instructions on how to accept an assignment for review and submit their feedback using the PCMS System.

PEN Reviewer Guidelines
This document provides an overview of the role of a PEN reviewer and a checklist to help complete a content review.

PEN® Client Handout Review
This document provides an overview of the role of a Handout reviewer and a checklist to help complete a handout review.

Reasons to become a Reviewer for the PEN System

Becoming a PEN Reviewer is good for the PEN System and good for you, too!

As a reviewer, you contribute to advancing the nutrition knowledge base that promotes evidence-based nutrition practice. Reviewing PEN content allows you to provide feedback on the quality, accuracy and clarity of PEN content. This helps nutrition practitioners access timely, current and authoritative guidance on food and nutrition.

As a reviewer, you also become aware of the most up-to-date research and evidence-informed recommendations before the content is published on the PEN System. Acting as a reviewer positively reflects your knowledge of the field or critical appraisal skills. This means you are respected for your contributions to the content and the practice field. Your involvement can be used to support your professional portfolio, including continuing professional development. To learn more about how you can be recognized for your involvement, see how does the PEN System recognize my contribution as a reviewer?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can review PEN Content?

How does reviewing for the PEN System help dietitians in practice?

How does the PEN System recognize my contribution as a reviewer?

How can I get involved in reviewing PEN Content?

  • There are three ways you can get involved in contributing to the PEN system:
    • Provide input on scoping a PEN Knowledge Pathway as a Topic Advisor: When developing new or updating existing PEN content, we look for input on the practice questions that make up a knowledge pathway. This means you’ll have an opportunity to review current questions for dietetic practice relevance while identifying any missing practice questions that should be considered.
    • Review PEN Content: As a PEN Content Reviewer, your primary task is to determine the acceptability of PEN content based on the quality of evidence, accuracy of synthesis and relevance for practice. Reviewing PEN content asks for your input on everyday practice situations dietitians face. PEN Content review requests can be for Practice Questions (including relating tools/resources) as well as Backgrounds.
    • PEN Client Handouts: As a PEN client handout reviewer, you would use your professional knowledge and clinical expertise to review and provide feedback on the recently updated PEN client handout. Based on your experience, you can help identify any missing or relevant information to clients. Lastly, you would provide general feedback on the flow of information, clarity, what doesn't work well and how it could be improved, including providing additional referencing.
    More information about PEN terminology of features can be found here.

How long do I have to complete the review assignment?

How many people review the same practice question?


If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to us. Current review opportunities are updated regularly on the PEN website and featured in PEN eNews.