Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2025

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Nutrition

Committee Chair

Nicole Stendell-Hollis

Second Committee Member

Tafere Belay

Third Committee Member

Katy Williams

Fourth Committee Member

Jess Tyrrell

Abstract

In response to the prevalence of morbidity and mortality, studies to avert these conditions in a cost-effective and accessible manner are also increasing. Developing new methods to provide nutrition education that are more accessible is critical to reaching individuals who may experience socioeconomic barriers impacting their ability to access healthcare. The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions related to different delivery methods of dietary counseling. This qualitative research study will examine the perceptions related to different methods of dietary counseling (telephone calls, video calls, or face-to-face visits). Focus group one contained provider participants (N = 7), which were all RDNs currently working in the Wenatchee, Washington area. Focus group two hosted patient participants (N = 6) located from the Wenatchee Valley area. Semi structured interviews were performed asking subjects about any personal experiences related to receiving or providing nutrition education, positive or negative, as they participated in telehealth. Following the thematic analysis, three main themes were discovered: the adaptability of telehealth, nuanced perceptions of telehealth, and barriers to effective virtual care. Telehealth as a dietary counseling method is complex and offers a combination of strengths and weaknesses. For the improvement of nutritional care via telehealth, future research should assess the importance of specific applications and developing formal procedures related to virtual care.

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