The lipid management nutrition outcomes project: perspectives from a national experience in protocol implementation and nutrition outcomes tracking.

The Lipid Management Nutrition Outcomes Project was a multicenter prospective noncontrolled observational study in which a network of 51 registered dietitians (RDs) from practice settings across the United States implemented the 1998 Medical Nutrition Therapy Hyperlipidemia Protocol and collected outcomes. Difficulty recruiting RDs and enrolling patients revealed a gap between practice guidelines and clinical practice. Many RDs did not have laboratory values or follow-up visits required by the protocol.

Computerized patient record: are we prepared for our future practice?

Objective: To survey members of The American Dietetic Association (ADA) regarding care documentation systems, computerization of patient care records, and factors to be considered in developing a documentation system compatible with a computer-based patient record.

Design: The survey instrument was developed in conjunction with a survey consultant/statistician, then mailed to the study sample.

Subjects/setting: The sample of 500 was drawn from three ADA dietetic practice groups expected to include a high percentage of clinical practitioners.