Factors associated with dietary behaviour change support in patients: A qualitative study among community nurses.

AIM: To explore which factors, influencing dietary behaviour change support among patients by Dutch community nurses (CNs; nurses), are key focal points in training programmes. BACKGROUND: Nurses have an important role in counselling patients towards healthier dietary behaviour to prevent or delay long-term complications from chronic lifestyle-related diseases. Most nurses do not incorporate dietary behaviour change support in their routines to the fullest potential. DESIGN: A qualitative descriptive study. METHODS: Data were collected in the Netherlands in 2018-2019 via semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 18 nurses. Interview guide themes were informed by the COM-B model, using validated descriptions in Dutch. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Factors that affected dietary behaviour change support were linked to (1) the nurse (role identity, dietary knowledge and competences such as methodical approach, behaviour change techniques and communication techniques), (2) nurse-patient encounter (building a relationship with a patient, supporting patient autonomy and tailoring the approach) and (3) cooperation and organizational context. CONCLUSION: It is of utmost importance to pay attention to nurses' role identity regarding dietary behaviour change support, as this underlies professional behaviour. This should be accompanied by improving competences on dietary behaviour change support. Focus on competences regarding the application of behaviour change technique is crucial. Furthermore, having a relationship of trust with a patient was important for discussing sensitive topics such as diet. IMPACT: The promotion of a healthy diet provides opportunities to contribute to patient autonomy and self-management. Well-fitted training offers for (senior) nurses will lead to improved professional practice of nurses, leading to healthier dietary behaviour of patients. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: A nurse provided feedback on the interview guide.

Facilitators and barriers for promoting healthy eating among primary care patients: results of a qualitative study among practice nurses.

BACKGROUND: Practice nurses have an important role in promoting healthy eating to prevent or delay long-term complications from chronic lifestyle-related diseases. OBJECTIVE: To identify the facilitators and barriers encountered by practice nurses at a professional level when promoting healthy eating among patients. METHODS: Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 Dutch practice nurses. Data were recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Two main themes were determined: professional characteristics and professional-patient encounter. Professional characteristics included good communication skills and experience facilitated the successful promotion of healthy eating, while a lack of communication skills and lack of knowledge about diet were perceived as barriers. The most frequently identified facilitators for professional-patient encounter included ensuring a personal connection with patients, creating food awareness, focussing on small changes, adopting a tailored approach, motivating and arranging extra consultations. Barriers included lack of skills to raise the topic, lack of persistence, inability to find a common understanding, lack of competence in handling patients' own choices and underuse of existing educational materials. CONCLUSIONS: Further research using the identified facilitators and barriers for promoting healthy eating in primary care patients with chronic diseases could assist in the development of future training programmes for practice nurses.

Nurses' perceptions of their role with respect to promoting physical activity in adult patients: a systematic review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To identify the nurses' perceptions of their role with respect to promoting physical activity in adult patients and factors related to this role perceptions. BACKGROUND: Ageing and chronic diseases are often accompanied by a decrease in physical activity. Nurses are in an excellent position to promote physical activity, because of their close and frequent interactions with patients. However, they often fail to actively stimulate patients to physical activity due to a lack of time, competing priorities and their focus on acute problems. Unclear was how nurses view their professional role in the promotion of physical activity. DESIGN: Systematic literature review. METHODS: PubMed, COCHRANE and CINAHL EBSCO were searched for papers published from 2006 to September 2019. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality, using MMAT criteria. Thematic synthesis was used to analyse the data. The PRISMA statement was followed for reporting. RESULTS: Overall, 10 quantitative, eight qualitative and one mixed methods study were included in the review. Analyses of these studies resulted in six themes: (1) active and professional role; (2) the recognised importance; (3) fear of patient falling; (4) patient's present health and need; (5) interdisciplinary context and responsibility; and (6) nurses' knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses perceive they have an active role in the promotion of physical activity and consider it as important and part of their professional role. Clear guidance increased education and stronger awareness of guidelines might enable nurses to translate their perceived role into daily practice. This will enhance professional fulfilment as well as patients' physical activity. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings guide the development of interventions that aim to improve nursing care with respect to the promotion of physical activity and help managers and educators to provide appropriate resources and education.