Title
Evaluating the Use of a Diet Screening Tool for Diabetes and Weight Management in Primary Care
Year of Publication
2022
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Committee Chair
Dr. Julianne Ossege
Clinical Mentor
Dr. Angela Grubbs
Committee Member
Dr. Elizabeth Tovar
Abstract
Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a prominent disease and leading cause of death in the nation. Many complications can develop when glucose levels are poorly controlled. When patients receive education and support in diabetes self-management, including individualized dietary interventions, it leads to improved glycemic control.
Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement (QI) project was to evaluate the incorporation of a diet recall tool, Starting the Conversation (STC), in the standard care for diabetic patients with abnormal body mass index (BMI). The study aimed to examine: (1) patient opinion of the intervention and (2) healthcare provider satisfaction with use of the diet recall tool.
Methods: This QI project took place in a Women’s Health primary care clinic within an academic medical center. The study utilized the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) rapid-cycle model for improvement. Stakeholder feedback was anonymously obtained by survey collection.
Results: Most patients reported finding the STC tool helpful for describing diet (M = 4.00, SD = 0.9, n = 28) and reflecting on typical eating habits (M = 3.86, SD = 1.14, n = 28). When a nutrition education and goal setting element was added, interest in utilizing these tools was evenly split (M = 3.25, SD = 1.28, n = 8). Primary care providers (PCPs) reported inadequate time for nutrition counseling, but all found it helpful to have the STC tool and nutrition education material available (n = 3).
Conclusion: The STC tool can aid in quickly collecting nutrition information and may help motivated patients improve their dietary habits. The STC can be a useful tool for PCPs to utilize when counseling patients who are ready to make dietary changes.
Recommended Citation
McBride, Christie, "Evaluating the Use of a Diet Screening Tool for Diabetes and Weight Management in Primary Care" (2022). DNP Projects. 387.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/dnp_etds/387