Practice Consideration
Part of the dietitian's role in the NCP is to identify the knowledge and skills a patient/caregiver requires in order to manage their circumstances.
Measurement methods or data sources to assist in determining the level or knowledge or skill may include: (1,2)
- Pre and post tests administered verbally, written or electronically
- Scenario discussions
- Restatement of key information by client or caregiver
- Review of food records
- Practical demonstrations
- Nutrition surveys/questionnaires
- Nutrition assessment inventory
The below provides an example for a Pediatric Weight Management Patient (Case Study 5).
Useful topics to start this conversation are:
1) The concept of energy balance
2) The patient's knowledge of obesity, risk factors and health consequences
3) The patient's knowledge of food-preparation methods and cooking skills
4) The patient's knowledge and skills for food shopping.
In the Pediatric Weight Management case study example, the dietitian may determine that neither Ricky (the pediatric patient) nor Bud (his father) has food-preparation skills beyond "basic", and that they do not cook during the week. It is not clear whether either of them is motivated to acquire new skills. Ricky likes the idea of cooking, and enjoys television cooking shows: an indication that he might be interested. Bud does the grocery shopping and even if Ricky wanted to cook, it would require some planning and most likely would require Bud to shop differently. With that in mind, the most productive avenue for the dietitian will be to engage Bud about his knowledge of shopping.
References:
1. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutrition Terminology Reference Manual (eNCPT): Food and Nutrition Knowledge (FH-4.1). 2023; Accessed 15 August 2024. Available from: https://www.ncpro.org/pubs/2023-encpt-en/codeFH-4-1
2. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutrition Terminology Reference Manual (eNCPT): Food and Nutrition Skill (FH-4.2). 2023; Accessed 15 August 2024. Available from: https://www.ncpro.org/pubs/2023-encpt-en/codeFH-4-2