Identification of nutrition communication styles and strategies: a qualitative study among Dutch GPs.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of this study were to identify nutrition communication styles of Dutch GPs, their strategies regarding nutrition communication and nutrition information seeking behaviours. Another aim is to provide a hypothetical model for nutrition communication style, including psycho-social and socio-demographic variables.


METHODS
Nine focus groups with 81 GPs were used to obtain GPs' perceptions of nutrition communication. Data were analysed with the computer software program NUD*IST.


RESULTS
Five nutrition communication styles were identified, namely informational, reference, motivational, confrontational and holistic style. Referring to a dietician, providing advice according to Dietary Guidelines, and offering written education materials were mentioned as strategies regarding nutrition communication. GPs sought nutrition information in scientific studies, specialist literature, and postgraduate training courses.


CONCLUSIONS
The informational style of nutrition communication was dominant among Dutch GPs. GPs hardly provided maintenance advice for nutrition behaviour. Many GPs referred patients to dieticians, who were viewed as colleagues. GPs tried to get basic information about nutrition by scanning the literature, but they were seldom actively involved in seeking specific nutrition information. Although GPs felt that patients expect expert nutrition information, they perceived their nutrition knowledge as restricted.


CONCLUSIONS
We advise to raise self-efficacy of GPs regarding nutrition communication and to build good collaboration with dieticians.
van Dillen
Sonja M E
SM
Communication Management, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 8130, 6700 EW Wageningen, The Netherlands. sonja.vandillen@wur.nl
Hiddink
Gerrit J
GJ
Koelen
Maria A
MA
de Graaf
Cees
C
van Woerkum
Cees M J
CM
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards; D003142:Communication; D004046:Dietetics; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017145:Models, Educational; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D009426:Netherlands; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010686:Philosophy, Medical; D010819:Physician's Role / Q000523:psychology; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D020377:Self Efficacy