Use of the Nutrition Care Process and Terminology in Canada: A National and Regional Update

Can J Diet Pract Res. 2022 Mar 1;83(1):2-9. doi: 10.3148/cjdpr-2021-017. Epub 2021 Jul 21.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to understand Canadian dietitians' use of the Nutrition Care Process (NCP) and terminology (NCPT) nationally and by province/territory as well as facilitators, barriers, and attitudes regarding the NCP/NCPT.Methods: Canadian dietitians were invited to complete an online survey (SurveyMonkey) on the NCP/NCPT from February to April 2017 through multiple channels. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests.Results: Overall, there were 500 eligible respondents; the analysis focused on dietitians working in clinical care who were familiar with the NCP (n = 420). In total, 87.9% and 77.5% of respondents reported always/frequently using aspects of the NCP and NCPT in their practice, respectively. There were variations in use by province/territory (P < 0.001); use was more frequent in Alberta and Manitoba versus other provinces/territories. A main barrier to implementation was lack of time; main facilitators to implementation were peer support, management support, and required use of the NCP. The prevalence of many facilitators and barriers varied by province (P < 0.05). Attitudes regarding the NCP/NCPT were variable.Conclusions: Overall, most clinical care dietitians reported some type of use of the NCP/NCPT. There were provincial/territorial variations in use, barriers, and facilitators. These findings provide information to develop strategies to enhance use of the NCP/NCPT in Canada.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alberta
  • Canada
  • Dietetics*
  • Humans
  • Nutrition Therapy*
  • Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Nutritionists*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires