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.

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