An Evidence-based Approach to Developing the Collaborative, Client-Centred Nutrition Education (3CNE) Framework and Practice Points.

Abstract

The purpose of this, the third phase of a 3-phase research project, was to develop guidelines for client-centred nutrition education (NE). A 3-phase study was conducted using a progressive development design, where each phase informed the subsequent phase. Phase 1 was a national online survey of dietitians' perceptions of consumers' NE needs and preferences; results informed the Phase 2 national online survey of consumers about their NE needs and preferences. Phase 3 involved national 2-part teleconference consultations with dietitians to discuss implications of the Phase 2 findings for NE practice. This paper is the report of Phase 3. Discussion group participants were 22 dietitians from around Canada who had been in practice for an average of 14.5 years. Discussions resulted in the development of the Collaborative Client-Centred Nutrition Education (3CNE) conceptual framework and related Practice Points that explicate the complexity of NE practice. The 3CNE framework and Practice Points provide a means to inform precepting students and interns, and for use in planning for the professional development of practicing dietitians on providing client-centred NE.