title: Client satisfaction and weight loss outcomes of student centred dietetic outpatient clinics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Evaluation of health care services and providers is essential in determining effectiveness and quality. The aim of this study was to assess the client satisfaction and weight loss outcomes of student focussed dietetic outpatient weight loss clinics.
  
  
  METHODS
  The outpatient clinics were conducted by the University as part of student education. Sixty-one clients attended a new appointment during 2008. Anthropometric and demographic details were extracted from clients' clinic records. Clients were mailed a 30-item satisfaction survey adapted from an existing instrument.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-six surveys were returned (43% response rate). Respondents were less likely to be satisfied with appointment wait times and availability of parking (65%, 70%, respectively) compared with other factors. Dietitians were seen as polite and courteous, and the presence of students did not lessen the attention from the dietitian. Mean (SD) weight change was -3.3 (3.2) kg over 12 months (P < 0.05, n = 20).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It was found that clients were satisfied with services and while statistically significant weight loss was achieved, results did not reach the clinically significant weight loss of 5% of initial weight.
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, The University of Newcastle, Australia. Electronic address:Tracy.burrows@newcastle.edu.au.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Burrows
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bacon
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wicks
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baines
authors.forename: L T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D004046:Dietetics / Q000193:education*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000628:therapy; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013334:Students; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss