Nutrition advice in general practice: the role of general practitioners and practice nurses
Lana J. Mitchell A C , Lesley MacDonald-Wicks A and Sandra Capra B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Faculty of Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, Hunter Building, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia.
B Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, Building 16/712, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: lana.mitchell@newcastle.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 17(2) 202-208 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY10101
Submitted: 1 December 2010 Accepted: 9 March 2011 Published: 7 June 2011
Abstract
General practice is an ideal setting to be providing nutrition advice; however, it is important that the role of general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses in providing nutrition advice is acknowledged and defined. This article aims to discuss the role of GPs and practice nurses in the delivery of nutrition advice. Ten general practitioners and 12 practice nurses from a NSW urban Division of General Practice participated in questionnaires and a Lifescripts© implementation study, as well as their consenting patients receiving Lifescripts© (n = 13). An online survey was conducted with 90 Australian private practice dietitians. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 52 Australian private practice dietitians. The provision of basic nutrition advice is acknowledged to be part of the role of GPs and practice nurses, as they are the first point of contact for patients, allowing them to raise nutrition awareness. However, it is important that this advice is evidence based and able to be delivered in a time-efficient manner. Increased nutrition education and the availability of appropriate resources and nutrition-related best practice guidelines will assist in this process.
Additional keywords: dietetics, nutrition therapy.
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