Aim: This study aimed to determine satisfaction with dietetic services, identify barriers and enablers to engaging with dietetic services and acceptable methods of delivering nutrition care to patients on haemodialysis.
Methods: A questionnaire was developed based on existing satisfaction surveys and key constructs from the Theoretical Domains Framework to understand patient behaviours around accessing dietetic services. Constructs were grouped according to the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity and Motivation) of the Behaviour Change Wheel to inform future interventions. Patients at three Brisbane haemodialysis units participated, with questionnaire administered via laptop (by dietetic assistants) or paper-based version (by nurses).
Results: Sixty-six patients completed the questionnaire (response rate 40%, 62 ± 14 years, 58% male). Most respondents (n = 63, 95%) reported seeing a dietitian since commencing haemodialysis. A quarter of respondents reported declining or not wanting to see the dietitian. Despite this, questions pertaining to service satisfaction were largely positive. Questions related to enablers and barriers to engaging with the dietitian revealed the domain of motivation as the main barrier with 41% (n = 26) participants not wanting to make dietary changes. The domains of capability and opportunity were not barriers. Patients preferred receiving nutrition information from dietitians, when they had a question or concern, rather than at predefined intervals. Telehealth was not acceptable to the majority of participants.
Conclusions: While patients were satisfied with dietetic care, their preferences for dietetic service delivery were not aligned with current evidence-based guidelines, highlighting need for alternative models of care. Dietetic interventions need to be delivered in a way that addresses motivation.
Keywords: dietitian; haemodialysis; patient preference; patient satisfaction; practice guideline.
© 2019 Dietitians Association of Australia.