Table of Contents

Purpose: Care maps or clinical pathways for nutrition therapy of dyslipidemia could add to current practice guidelines, by providing templates for feasible and recommended diet counselling processes. A care map was therefore developed by engaging expert and generalist dietitians and external experts from across Canada in a multi-stage consensus process. Methods: First, a qualitative study was undertaken with a convenience sample of 12 practitioners to identify possible diet care options, using hypothetical client scenarios and cognitive analysis. Second, these care options were rated for five case scenarios considered typical (overweight clients, with or without clinical cardiovascular disease and other comorbidities, potentially motivated to change, consuming high-fat diets, and facing various major barriers to eating behaviour change). The rating was conducted through a survey of participants. Highly appropriate, recommended, and feasible options for counselling were ranked through a two-round modified Delphi process, with teleconference discussions between rounds. Results: Forty-nine professionals started the consensus process; 39 (80%) completed all aspects. Numerous care processes were appropriate for all clients, with additional focus on barriers for low-income clients, sodium intake for clients with hypertension, and smoking cessation in smokers. Conclusions: The resulting care map, “Dietitians’ Quick Reference Guide for Clinical Nutrition Therapy for Overweight Clients with Dyslipidemia,” provides a basis for current practice and new effectiveness studies.

A systematic review was conducted of community-based nutrition and physical activity strategies for chronic disease prevention targeting low-income populations. A computer search of the relevant published literature from 1996 to 2004 was done using Medline, EMBASE, ERIC, CINAHL, PubMed, and HealthSTAR databases. The primary objective was to develop an inventory of intervention strategies. The interventions ranged in approach from traditional group sessions taught by allied health professionals, peer-led workshops, one-on-one counselling print material, and home-based telephone and mail interventions to multimedia strategies and experiential activities such as food demonstrations and group exercise. The results suggest that nutrition and physical activity interventions aimed at low-income audiences tend to be delivered in an interactive visual format, to be culturally appropriate, to be administered in accessible primary care settings, and to provide incentives.

Prior learning assessment (PLA) is a process for documenting competence gained through formal and informal opportunities. It has been endorsed by adult educators but is not widely used in dietetic education. Graduate students at a Canadian university, who have prior learning relevant to dietetics, are given the opportunity to develop a portfolio documenting competence in lieu of portions of formal internship experience. An exploratory descriptive methodology is used to describe the experiences of graduate students (n=6) and faculty (n=3) who participated in this innovative program from 2000 to 2005. All students successfully completed portfolios for one-third or more of their internship. After completing the documentation process, students participated in semi-structured interviews consisting of 16 open-ended questions. Faculty completed a five-item survey designed to capture their experiences with the PLA process. Student and faculty data were thematically analyzed and several risks and benefits were documented. Results indicate that, overall, both students and faculty viewed the PLA as a positive experience. Because of the limited placements available for practical internship experiences, PLA can be a useful process for the confirmation of dietetic competence.

Purpose: To investigate Edmonton Meals on Wheels (MOW) recipients’ food preferences and meal satisfaction. Methods: A preliminary study of 13 lunch club participants divided into two focus groups was conducted to determine overall themes in clients’ menu preferences and suggestions. A questionnaire was developed, based on previous MOW client comments, and delivered to all clients (n=271) receiving hot meal service from the Edmonton MOW program; 140 surveys (52% response rate) were returned. Results: The majority (72% to 88%) of hot meal clients were satisfied with the taste, texture, value, variety, and portion size of their meals. Popular menu items were barbecued chicken, perogies, and desserts. Up to 25% of participants indicated that meats were too tough and vegetables were too firm. Vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts were the most commonly disliked items. Conclusions: Overall, clients find the Edmonton MOW menu foods appealing and enjoyable. MOW programs should advertise the availability of texture-modified foods and offer a variety of vegetables. Meal services for the elderly must continue to monitor meal acceptance as client needs change with our aging population.