Gathering the Evidence for a Method to Assess Outcomes in Primary Care Dietetics in Australia

Managing chronic disease is Australia's biggest non-communicable health problem. Nearly half of Australia's population suffers from one chronic disease, and ten chronic diseases lead to the death of nine in ten Australians. Early intervention with preventative health measures can reduce or eliminate the later need for more intensive and costly care and improve the quality of life for those afflicted with chronic diseases. Nutrition is a major modifiable determinant of chronic disease, and dietitians are recognised experts in delivering evidence-based nutritional care. Dietitians play an essential role in managing chronic diseases in a primary care setting. Although dietitians are the fourth most accessed allied health professional in Australia's Medicare Chronic Disease Management program, there is no universal system in Australia for describing the activity of dietitians or capturing outcomes from their care. As a result, little is known about which practices bring about better care and outcomes in real-world settings. This research aimed to develop appropriate data standards for assessing process and outcome measures for private practice dietitians in primary care settings. Implementing data standards across the dietetic profession may lead to more effective dietetic practices and better health outcomes for all. [...]
Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School of Health Sci & Soc Wrk
Griffith Health
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