Outcomes and Recommendations from Telenutrition Intervention in Senior Centers

Description

Following reports that nutrition screening intervention scores were not improving upon annual reassessment, Open Hand Atlanta and the Department of Human Services, Division of Aging partnered to fill in critical gaps in nutrition education for seniors in the state of Georgia. In 2022 we piloted telenutrition programming in senior centers, offering monthly one-hour virtual nutrition education sessions covering topics such as healthy eating on a budget and bone health while additionally offering up to five individual nutrition counseling sessions per person. The goals of this program are 1) to increase nutrition knowledge among Georgia seniors by connecting those at highest nutrition risk with an RDN for medical nutrition therapy and 2) to develop and standardize virtual nutrition presentations for use in senior centers across the state. Preliminary results of the program show overall knowledge improvement of 2-5% per session. Reported satisfaction is high with 87% of participants indicating that they would like to continue these sessions in a virtual format. We will share additional food security, diet, and perceived health outcomes observed after 12 months of sessions in this presentation in addition to discussions of challenges, successes, and lessons learned in implementation of this pilot program.

Learning Objectives

Describe a virtual nutrition education intervention designed for individuals attending senior centers

Employ best practices and lessons learned in similar programs and interventions

Evaluate effectiveness of the pilot program based on data shared

Performance Indicators

9.3 Designs, selects and implements education strategies to meet the learning needs of individuals, groups, communities and populations

5.1. Proficiently uses electronic platforms, health information technology (HIT) and internet-based platforms consistent with role and responsibilities

6.2 Collects and interprets research data to advance knowledge and practice, and to enhance effectiveness of services

Speaker(s)

Rachel Berton

Community Dietitian

Open Hand Atlanta

Renae Brown

Contract Dietitian

Open Hand Atlanta

Moderator

Laura Samnadda

Director of Nutrition Services

Open Hand Atlanta

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