Utility of an on-line computer system in a clinical setting for nutrient intake analyses

The present report describes a four-week trial at the Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, to determine the effect of access to a computer system on nutrient intake analyses, the problems in implementation of the system, and the response of the staff dietitians. An on-line system was obtained from the Ohio State University Hospitals and modified to reflect Canadian food and nutrient content, and to include some additional program features. Twelve hundred and eighty-six foods were characterized according to 15 food components, the system was responsive to nine interactive commands, and there were nine possible print-out formats of calculations. The results of the trial reinforced the expectation of greatly increased work efficiency, however, the system was not utilized to its potential. Some technical problems were largely overcome within the first week of operation. However, needs relating to the extensiveness of the food and nutrient data base, and the methodologies and time for obtaining and evaluating individual dietary intake information prevented maximum efficiency. The dietitians liked the comprehensiveness and detail of the system, however, routine dietary intake collections were too time-consuming for their present work schedules.