Factors of success and failure in using fixed treatment goals in dietetic treatment

Standardized registration supports dietitians in creating transparency in results of dietetic treatment. In 2014 a Delphi study has been executed to  decide which outcomes should be measured to demonstrate the effectiveness of dietetic treatment in cardiovascular risk management: waist circumference,  patient’s adoption of dietary advice , and quality of life. It is not clear whether it is possible for dietitians to measure and register these data as suggested in the Delphi study.

Twelve dietitians measured and registered waist circumference, patient’s adoption of dietary advice, and quality of life for six months. At three and six months after the start, dietitians were interviewed about facilitators and barriers in measuring and registration the requested data. The interviews were transcribed, coded and analyzed using Atlas Ti qualitative analysis program.

For each measurement, facilitators and barriers for application were identified. Dietitians indicated that reminders to perform the measurements at the right time would be helpful.

Many barriers may be solved by electronic support. Therefore, a digital tool is currently being developed to support dietitians in measuring and registering the agreed data. The ultimate goal of this project is to develop a method that is applicable in daily practice, and will ultimately provide insight into the results of dietary treatment in cardiovascular risk management.