Multiple clinical guidelines recommend several types of “diets” (e.g. DASH, Mediterranean, low fat, weight loss) for cardiovascular risk reduction. Missing is guidance on “best practices” implementation strategies in the health care system. Currently researchers design a diet intervention “package” based on logic, previous practice and their particular interests or experience. The results of these studies remain highly variable, with little analysis or discussion of how the different elements of these complex interventions have contributed to the desired dietary or clinical changes. Paula will review insights on cardiometabolic risk reduction from her own and others’ work, for ideas to try out in the next generation of lifestyle implementation studies. While we have made some progress in defining “good practices” in diet counselling, more implementation research is needed to maximize effectiveness and efficiency of lifestyle programs for cardiovascular risk reduction.
Dr. Paula Brauer has focused her career on efforts to improve the effectiveness of clinical diet counselling, through both research and advocacy. This dual focus began with a BHEc from the University of British Columbia, followed by a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Toronto. Her research interests continued through a series of diverse clinical positions, culminating in 20 years with the department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, at the University of Guelph. Recognizing that diet counselling was most effective in primary care settings, Dr. Brauer served on the committee to set up Family Health Teams in Ontario and for five years on the revitalized Canadian Task Force for Preventive Health Care. Dr. Brauer’s research has focused on adapting diverse methods to explore key features needed to improve clinical effectiveness. With career funding exceeding $2 million, her notable projects include defining interprofessional nutrition counselling services, creating an obesity management framework for team-based primary care, and assessing diet aspects of lifestyle management of metabolic syndrome. Her work has led to over 70 peer-reviewed publications. She and colleagues are completing an online history of the profession over the past 30 years. Dr. Brauer has mentored 5 PhD, 27 master’s students, as well as 41 undergraduate thesis students, always promoting the value of applying best evidence to practice. Her contributions have been recognized with several awards, including the Ryley-Jeffs Award from Dietitians of Canada for creativity and leadership and the first Bright Lights Award from the Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario. Dr. Brauer continues her work with colleagues, exemplified by her role in the HMDP Visiting Experts Programme in Singapore, where she advised on their integrated allied health services for primary care.