A design and focus group evaluation of dietary choices tools for an underserved population

Abstract

Introduction:Our objective was to develop and evaluate dietary teaching tools for a select population diagnosed with a severe mental illness and limited financial ability. Patients with severe mental illnesses face many challenges, including common health comorbidities of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity. Cognitive deficits may limit educational programming; financial resources can affect access to a healthy diet. The Integrated Multidisciplinary Program of Assertive Community Treatment (IMPACT) program, a university-based program, provides individualized services to this population. One focus is healthy nutritional choices.Methods:In Phase One, a clinical pharmacist and a first-year pharmacy resident created visual aids. These cards were given to health care providers (HCPs) to be used with IMPACT members. HCPs were asked to participate in a focus group and provide feedback. Phase Two: Based on specific focus group feedback, additional resources were created to address identified nutritional needs.Results:Phase One: Ten cards were created and distributed to the HCPs. A focus group was conducted. HCPs reported the cards were useful in opening dietary choices dialogues and were able to give more specific information on alternative choices. Phase Two: From focus group feedback, specific cards for disease states, calorie guidelines, and budget limitations were developed. HCPs immediately utilized them.Discussion:This pilot project was used to design and create educational cards to facilitate discussions on healthy or healthier dietary choices. Feedback from the HCPs participating in the focus group was positive, and they were enthusiastic about both sets of cards, particularly those pertaining to budget choices.

The role of pharmacy in the management of cardiometabolic risk, metabolic syndrome and related diseases in severe mental illness: a mixed-methods systematic literature review

“…Qualitative The interventions made by the psychiatry team to manage metabolic abnormalities were not analysed using statistical tests, but instead reviewed and described through a case series format. McMorris, 2016, USA [ 74 ] Dietary teaching tools for a select population diagnosed with a severe mental illness and limited financial ability. A clinical pharmacist (certified in diabetes management) and a first-year pharmacy resident Community mental health team—assertive community treatment team.…”

“…The mapping review also shows pharmacists roles in other activities. This includes a pharmacist as part of a physical health strategy group [ 75 ] and clinical pharmacists creating visual aids/dietary choices tools for use by care professionals who look after patients with SMI [ 74 ].…”

“…The 33 studies showed heterogeneity for all characteristics and outcomes (Table 2). The majority of these (n = 25) were quantitative, 4 were qualitative [73][74][75][76] and 4 of a mixed methods [77][78][79][80] study design. Twenty of these studies included a study intervention where quantitative outcome data allowed for impact to be assessed-statistical tests of significance of data obtained for outcome parameters reported by study authors (a pre-post study design (n = 14)) or they compared groups where study intervention was implemented against group where the study intervention was not implemented (a case-control study design (n = 5) [78,79,[81][82][83] or randomised controlled study (n = 1) [84].…”

“…A limitation was identified amongst those studies which utilised qualitative data-the authors of the studies were not clear about how collecting qualitative data was relevant to answer the research question. Another limitation included either not reporting (n = 4) [74,[76][77][78] or providing a justification for, method of data analysis [79]. Lack of reporting of researcher reflexivity within qualitative studies (n = 3) [74][75][76] and qualitative aspects of mixed methods studies s (n=4) [77][78][79][80] were also identified as limitations amongst all of these studies.…”

Design and pilot evaluation of an evidence-based worksheet and clinician guide to facilitate nutrition counselling for patients with severe mental illness

“…In a study directly observing practice behaviour of American family doctors, nutritional counselling took place in about one quarter of patient encounters and the average amount of time spent was 55 s [ 14 ]. Nutrition guidelines [ 15 ] and tools [ 16 ] exist to assist patients in the management of medication-induced weight gain and physical illness. However, there is very limited evidence of use of nutritional strategies in the management of mental health symptoms.…”