Food Matters: A Quality Improvement Initiative on Healthy Foods in Pregnancy for a Clinic Population

Abstract

Implementation, Outcomes, and Evaluation Nurses were provided with Food Matters calendars to review and utilize as teaching tools in the clinic setting. Nurses were asked to perform a short pretest at the initial obstetric visit. In the initial visit, nurses reviewed the calendar and used it as a tool to begin the discussion about healthy, affordable foods to consume during pregnancy. In the month of July 2011, this program was implemented and 105 calendars were provided to newly pregnant patients. Nurses performed a short pretest with each client. Questions were asked to assess the clients’ evaluation of their diet, desire to improve diet, and intention to utilize the foods calendar to improve diet. Post tests will be performed at the next monthly appointment and will assess any improvements in diet, especially those directly related to calendar usage. This program will continue until 400 calendars are distributed and post tests are complete. Nurses will be surveyed to assess comfort level and ease of use with the calendars. This initiative will be evaluated from the caregivers’ and the clients’ point of view.