Towards effective dietary counseling: A scoping review

Alyanne Barkmeijer*, Hedwig te Molder, Mariam Janssen, Harriët Jager-Wittenaar

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalReview articleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Objective
The aim of this scoping review was to identify and map available evidence concerning counseling strategies that contribute to effective DC.

Methods
Following the PRISMA SCR-Scoping Reviews Statement and Checklist, a systematic search in electronic databases was performed in March 2020.

Results
Synthesis of recurring themes in the 28 included studies revealed seven core counseling strategies that effectively contribute to DC: 1) connecting to motivation, 2) tailoring the modality of DC, 3) providing recurring feedback, 4) using integrated dietetic support tools, 5) showing empathy, 6) including clients’ preferences, wishes, and expectations during decision-making, and 7) dietitians having high self-efficacy.

Conclusions
Multiple counseling strategies contributing to effective DC have been identified and mapped. The counseling strategies identified seem to interrelate, and their conceived interrelatedness reveals that strategies can both compliment or contrast each other. Therefore, advancing effective DC requires further development towards an integrated approach to DC that includes combinations of strategies that form a unified whole.

Practical implications
Insights from this scoping review provide a foundation for dietitians to effectively carry out DC and serve as a starting point to further work towards effective DC.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1801-1817
Number of pages17
JournalPatient Education and Counseling
Volume105
Issue number7
Early online date18 Dec 2021
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2022

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
Funding has been provided by the Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, the Netherlands. The funding source had no further involvement in conducting this study.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 The Authors

Funding

Funding has been provided by the Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, the Netherlands. The funding source had no further involvement in conducting this study.

Keywords

  • Behavior change
  • Client-centered counseling
  • Dietary counseling
  • Dietitian
  • Nutrition counseling

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