Use of information technology by clinical dietitians in Canada

Information technology in health care in Canada is beginning to show an impact in clinical dietetics. Good response (64%) to a survey of 307 hospitals indicated that 15 hospitals now use computers for the assessment of nutrients in patients' food intakes, in menus, and in recipes. Another 76 plan to initiate computer use. The majority of nutrition and food service departments categorize computers as potentially 'very useful' in clinical dietetics. The 15 respondents who use computers serve as models for future users. Hand calculation of nutrients is performed to some degree by 170 hospitals. Information from these respondents indicated that they share many common needs, thus encouraging a cooperation of effort in future computer applications.