The major goal of diet counselling is to educate the patient (related to/looking at/thinking about) the nature of the disease, its dangers/risks, how a disease can be recognized and prevented. It is extremely important to (opinions about what could or should be done about a situation) the patient on personal (keeping yourself/something clean), individual instructions on diet and any clearly stated/particular therapy needed.
Diet counselling makes the patient aware of the fact that diet plays an important role in the treatment of the disease. With today‘s focus on prevention of disease, diet counselling helps to reduce the risk of some illness by appropriate counselling.
Diet counselling is effective when the counsellor helps the patient in setting realistic goals and provides the necessary guidance in menu planning, food buying and preparation.
Counselling Guidelines
1. Review medical record before counselling.
2. Provide a comfortable setting – undivided attention of the counsellor is extremely important.
3. Set a time in advance.
4. Counsellor should introduce herself and address the patient by name.
5. Listen effectively – eye to eye contact is necessary
6.note feelings and tone of voice
7.avoid criticism
8.Interrupt only when explanation is needed
9. Ask open ended questions.
10. Do not express approval or disapproval till data gathering is complete.
11. Avoid using medical terms and be prepared to explain.
12. Set Realistic goals.
13. Prepare a (designed for one person) written dietary plan with the patient.
14. Give the patient opportunity to ask questions.
15. Bring the counselling session to a close. If follow up is needed set a time for next appointment.