Mari Somerville1, Lauren Ball2, David Chua3, Tracey Johnson4, Suzanne Williams5, Lauren T Williams6. 1. MPH, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Qld. 2. PhD, MNutrDiet, GCertHigherEd, BAppSc, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and Senior Research Fellow, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Qld; Visiting Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Health System Reform and Integration, UQ-Mater Research Institute, Brisbane,@Qld. 3. PhD, Research Fellow, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Qld; Research Manager, Inala Primary Care, Qld. 4. MPM, CEO, Inala Primary Care, Qld. 5. MBBS, MSpMed, FRACGP, Clinical Director, Inala Primary Care, Qld. 6. PhD, FDAA, Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Qld.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Guidelines recommend people with prediabetes receive diet and lifestyle support to avoid type 2 diabetes, yet it is unclear whether this care is provided in practice. The aim of this article is to explore the perspectives and nutrition care practices of healthcare providers (HCPs) for patients with prediabetes. METHOD: This was a mixed-methods case study of an urban practice comprising a retrospective chart review and semi-structured interviews. Charts of adult patients with prediabetes were reviewed and informed a protocol used to interview HCPs. Interviews were thematically analysed. RESULTS: Charts of 47 patients, representing 1096 consultations, were reviewed. The majority (74.5%) of patients had 'diet' noted in their chart, yet this accounted for only 8.1% of consultations. Only 19.1% of patients were referred to a dietitian. Interviews provided HCP explanations of the quantitative findings. DISCUSSION: HCPs value nutrition care, yet are limited by the healthcare system to provide comprehensive care to people with prediabetes.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Guidelines recommend people with prediabetes receive diet and lifestyle support to avoid type 2 diabetes, yet it is unclear whether this care is provided in practice. The aim of this article is to explore the perspectives and nutrition care practices of healthcare providers (HCPs) for patients with prediabetes. METHOD: This was a mixed-methods case study of an urban practice comprising a retrospective chart review and semi-structured interviews. Charts of adult patients with prediabetes were reviewed and informed a protocol used to interview HCPs. Interviews were thematically analysed. RESULTS: Charts of 47 patients, representing 1096 consultations, were reviewed. The majority (74.5%) of patients had 'diet' noted in their chart, yet this accounted for only 8.1% of consultations. Only 19.1% of patients were referred to a dietitian. Interviews provided HCP explanations of the quantitative findings. DISCUSSION: HCPs value nutrition care, yet are limited by the healthcare system to provide comprehensive care to people with prediabetes.