Learning Outcome
Able to state 2 benefits of using a health behavior survey tool.
CDC reports that four out of seven health risk factors and leading causes of death are related to nutrition and lifestyle. Registered dietitians receive over 13,000 referrals yearly from the ambulatory care services of LAC+USC Healthcare Network. A 6-question survey tool was developed to obtain feedback on the helpfulness and effectiveness of individual and group nutrition sessions. The survey also identifies patients' plans for behavior change and captures return patients' behavioral improvements. Surveys are available in English and in Spanish.
Since 2004, outpatient registered dietitians collected 7,149 surveys. Patients' most common goals were weight loss (30%) and lowering cholesterol (17%). Patients' most intended changes of eating behavior were eating more fruits and vegetables (18%), taking smaller portions (17%), and eating less animal fats (16%). The most common exercise plans chosen were starting to walk 15 minutes daily (34%) and walking 15 minutes more than before (27%). Forty percent (40%) of 1491 patients with previous nutrition sessions reported they were able to make better food choices, followed by achieving better weight (23%), and able to exercise longer without feeling tired (19%). This survey tool provides the registered dietitian with immediate feedback regarding the patients' satisfaction, needs, and readiness to change, and also allows the patient to identify and solidify their commitments to make health behavior changes. Surveys provide valuable information to continually improve services to better meet patient nutrition needs.