Implementing the Nutrition Screening Tool For Every Preschooler (NutriSTEP^®): In Community Health Centres

Abstract

PURPOSE: Identifying nutrition-related problems during the early years may provide an opportunity to enhance parents' abilities to support healthy growth and development. The Nutrition Screening Tool for Every Preschooler (NutriSTEP®) is a validated, parent-administered questionnaire designed to identify preschool children at nutritional risk. Parents can complete NutriSTEP® in under five minutes. Parents' and staff's views of NutriSTEP® implementation feasibility were assessed in two community health centres. METHODS: Parents attending preschool immunization clinics were recruited. Parents, staff, and physicians were asked for their opinions on screening. RESULTS: The 412 (34%) parent questionnaires completed indicated that parents found NutriSTEP® easy to complete and helpful for identifying areas of nutrition concern. Staff estimated screening distribution took one to three minutes. Clerks and nurses expressed concern about additional workload and demands on parents. Managers believed NutriSTEP® was easy to implement. Physicians considered nutrition screening of preschoolers important, and felt that health centres were the best location for screening. CONCLUSIONS: NutriSTEP® was relatively easy to implement in two community health clinics. While staff expressed concern about increased workload, parents found it easy to complete and helpful.