Dietitians' effectiveness and patient compliance with dietary regimens. A pilot study

Demonstration of dietitians' effectiveness is a necessary prerequisite in documenting the cost-effectiveness of untritional care. In this report, a framework for the study of dietitians' effectiveness and patient compliance with dietary regimens is developed, and the results of a pilot study are presented. Personal, attitudinal, and situational variables that affect adherence to diets were investigated. Findings suggest that (a) disclosure of patient non-compliance varies, depending on the type of question asked and the sequence of questions in an interview; and (b) dietitians with higher "Orientations to Social Influence" use more influence strategies, involve patients in counseling sessions more, and tend to have patients with more appropriate health attitudes and behaviors.