Nutrition Counselling

At the end of this course, students should be able to: 1. explain the concept of nutrition counselling; 2. discuss the guidelines and roles of nutritionist/dietician in nutrition counselling; 3. develop communication and interview techniques; 4. vist the rights of the client in counselling; 5. apply social and behaviour change communication strategies in counselling for healthy diet; and 6. discuss approaches of nutrition counselling.

Definition and concepts of counselling. Roles of Dietitians/ Nutritionists. Dietary counselling for target patients, application of Behavioural Change Communication for healthy living. Counsellor– Patient relationship. Problems/Barriers to Communication in relation to patients. Development of personal philosophy to problem solving. Different approaches to counselling; steps in dietary counselling. Nutrition counselling at home and in the hospital. The concept of change: The nature of dietary change, implication of dietary change, adapting to dietary change. Patients interviewing techniques. Clients’ compliance and associated factors including follow up.