Search

Abstract: Objective: The objectives of this study were to identify nutrition communication styles of Dutch GPs, their strategies regarding nutrition communication and nutrition information seeking behaviours. Another aim is to provide a hypothetical model for nutrition communication style, including psycho-social and socio-demographic variables. Methods: Nine focus groups with 81 GPs were used to obtain GPs’ perceptions of nutrition communication. Data were analysed with the computer software program NUD*IST. Results: Five nutrition communication styles were identified, namely informational, reference, motivational, confrontational and holistic style. Referring to a dietician, providing advice according to Dietary Guidelines, and offering written education materials were mentioned as strategies regarding nutrition communication. GPs sought nutrition information in scientific studies, specialist literature, and postgraduate training courses. Conclusion: The informational style of nutrition communication was dominant among Dutch GPs. GPs hardly provided maintenance advice for nutrition behaviour. Many GPs referred patients to dieticians, who were viewed as colleagues. GPs tried to get basic information about nutrition by scanning the literature, but they were seldom actively involved in seeking specific nutrition information. Although GPs felt that patients expect expert nutrition information, they perceived their nutrition knowledge as restricted. Practice implications: We advise to raise self-efficacy of GPs regarding nutrition communication and to build good collaboration with dieticians. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective Pilot-testing of the adapted Study on Lifestyle intervention and Impaired glucose tolerance Maastricht (SLIM) and to determine its feasibility and likelihood of achieving desired impact. Methods Pilot intervention study (a 10-month combined lifestyle intervention) using a one group pre-test post-test design with on-going process measures (i.e. reach, acceptability, implementation integrity, and applicability) and several health outcomes (e.g. body weight). Results In total, 31 subjects participated in the SLIMMER (SLIM iMplementation Experience Region Noord- en Oost-Gelderland) intervention. Participant weight loss was −3.5 kg ( p = 0.005). Both participants and health care professionals (i.e. practice nurses, dieticians, and physiotherapists) were satisfied with the intervention. The intervention was implemented as planned and appeared to be suitable for application in practice. Refinements have been identified and will be made prior to further implementation and evaluation. Conclusion Implementation of the SLIMMER intervention is feasible in a Dutch real-life setting and it is likely to achieve desired impact. Practising and optimising the intervention creates local support for SLIMMER among stakeholders. Practice implications Performing a pilot study on the basis of a structured approach is a meaningful step in the process of optimising the feasibility and potential impact of an evidence-based intervention in a real-life setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this critical review is to provide insight into the main outcomes of research on communication about nutrition and/or physical activity between GPs and patients for prevention or treatment of overweight and obesity. Methods: Relevant studies were identified by a computerized search of multiple electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO) for all available papers between 1 January 1995 and 1 January 2012. In addition, two independent reviewers judged all studies on ten quality criteria. Results: In total, 41 studies were retrieved. More studies were found about the guidance of obese patients than of overweight patients. The most common weight guidance practice was discussion of weight. The range of communication strategies for nutrition showed to be more diverse than for physical activity. Twelve studies were considered as high-quality studies, 18 were having medium quality, and 11 were seen as low quality. Conclusion: We reflected on the fact that the content of advice about nutrition and physical activity was quite general. GPs’ provision of combined lifestyle advice to overweight and obese patients seems to be rather low. Practice implications: Observational research is needed to unravel the quality of the advice given by GPs to overweight and obese patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]