An audit of the theoretical basis of education during dietetic consultations with diabetic patients.
BACKGROUND
This article describes my attempts to reflect my current practice. It was conducted in order to determine which of three educational models, Empowerment, Motivational Interviewing and Helping People to Change, were being used during a diabetic dietetic consultation.


METHODS
Analysis of interviews with 15 patients selected at random from an outpatient clinic was undertaken. Each consultation was assessed and relevance to steps in each model noted.


RESULTS
Overall the results suggest that all three models were used for different reasons. Therefore, I conclude that any one of a number of educational approaches may be used within a consultation, as there may be elements that overlap. The different skills required by each of the models are invaluable at different times to assist patients at different phases in their life.


CONCLUSIONS
An understanding of different educational models is therefore useful and has helped to clarify my practice. In future, I anticipate a more formal evaluation of the educational process to help identify steps used. These could then be formally assessed for their impact on patient outcomes, and so identify specific aspects of educational models that assist patient education and help to improve outcomes.
Parkin
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Diabetes Centre, Department of Endocrinology, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, UK.
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003927:Diet, Diabetic; D004046:Dietetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D017145:Models, Educational; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D016896:Treatment Outcome