Patient Satisfaction and Outcomes in a Student-Led Dietetic Clinic

Abstract

Background: Obesity and non-communicable diseases are prevalent both worldwide and in New Zealand, which currently ranks third in the Organisation for Economic Development and Co-operation for Obesity. Dietetic input is important for addressing this issue, however, due to limitations in health funding, many in the community are unable to be seen. Studentled clinics are an approach that not only facilitates the learning of students but can to satisfy community requirements while doing so. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a student-led dietetic clinic in improving nutritional outcomes, as well as to assess the satisfaction of patients attending the clinic, in order to provide further improvements to the education of students and ensure patient needs are being met. Methods: This was an observational, cohort study. The study took place between the 1st of April and the 16th of September 2018, and implemented a mixed methods approach through the use of a satisfaction survey, a focus group and ANDHII documentation. Findings: Eighty-eight participants completed the satisfaction survey, (mean, standard deviation; 1.65 ± 0.19), correlating to an average response of between strongly agree (1) to agree (2). These results were statistically significant with P < 0.01. The focus group confirmed these findings with participants expressing gratitude towards the students and clinic. Triangulation of the survey open text comments and from the focus group found the highest satisfaction rates reported were in the area of student interpersonal skills. This translated into the results of ANDHII outcomes where statistically significant losses in weight were found, with those referred for weight loss (n=6) achieving a decrease of 15.5kg. Conclusions: Student-led clinics are not only a valid and effective approach to meeting the health needs of the community but help facilitate the achievement of healthy independent lifestyles in regards to food choices. The clinics were found to be more than satisfactory as well as effective in aiding behavioural change and weight loss. The study adds to the limited research currently exploring student-led dietetic clinics and is the only one that investigates satisfaction and effectiveness in dietetic clinics in New Zealand.