Gluten-Free Oats in Canada – A Decade in the Making
In 2005 an important question amongst the Canadian celiac population was to include oats or not to include oats in the gluten-free diet (GFD). If oats could
be safely added to the GFD, individuals could have a better quality of life through improved nutrition and palatability of their diet. It was a well-known fact the GFD generally was nutrient deficient including iron, calcium and fiber (1). Oats had traditionally been off-limits to people with celiac disease (CD) because, world-wide, oats were virtually always cross-contaminated with wheat, barley, rye, triticale, kamut and/or spelt (WBR). The contamination could come during any or all steps of production: planting, growing, harvesting, transporting, storing and processing,
Over the past decade, medical researchers have added to the body of literature aimed at finding out if people with CD could tolerate oats if the WBR wereabsent. In 2007 Health Canada did a thorough review of the literature (2) and their bottom line, similar to the 2005 position of the Canadian Celiac Association, was that the majority of people with celiac disease could safely consume a moderate amount (adults: 50-70g / day and children: 20-25g / day) of pure oats. It was recognized that there were still some people with CD, 4-5%, who could not tolerate even pure oats. Why this is, is still not clear, but is believed to be related to some not tolerating a common link in the protein structure of the gliadin (wheat storage protein) and avenin (oat storage protein). Currently research is being conducted looking more closely at the protein structure of oats with the hopes of identifying the issue why some people with celiac disease do not tolerate even pure oats (3). In the next decade we may even see certain cultivars / varieties of oats are bettered tolerated by people with celiac disease (4).
Once it was established that by following a purity protocol (5) pure oats could be produced for the market, the next hurdle was labelling them. In Canada, they could not be labelled as being “gluten-free”. Health Canada had an established regulation: Section B.24.018 of the Canadian Food and Drug Regulations (6) and until this regulation could be changed no product that contained any oats whatsoever, no matter how low the gluten content, could be labelled as “gluten-free” in Canada. In the meantime, Health Canada agreed that oat products with less than 20 parts per million of gluten could be labelled as “wheat, barley and rye free” and placed in the gluten-free section of food stores. This made it confusing for the consumer who was being told they could have pure oats but they weren’t labelled “gluten-free” and it made it challenging for the dietitian to provide clear guidelines for their clients on a GFD.
While the past decade has seen no official change in allowing oats in the GFD in Australia they are allowed in the rest of the world so the majority of people with CD now have a familiar whole-grain product to add to their GFD. Recently Health Canada has approved that oats specially produced, following the established purity protocol (5), for the gluten-free market can now be called gluten-free (7). While the regulations preventing them from being called gluten-free a decade ago have not been changed, a Marketing Authorization now permits the use of the gluten-free claim making it clear for the Canadian consumer with celiac disease which products containing oats they can consume. There are still the issues of why some people with CD do not tolerate gluten-free oats, the possibility that certain varieties of oats may be better tolerated by people with CD and is there a way to identify those who don’t tolerate them – but these are for solving in the next decade!
References:
- Thompson T, Dennis M, Higgins LA, Lee AR, Sharrett MK. Gluten-free diet survey: are Americans with coeliac disease consuming recommended amounts of fibre, iron, calcium and grain foods? J Hum Nutr Diet. 2005 Jun;18(3):163-9. Abstract available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15882378
- Health Canada. Celiac disease and the safety of oats. 2007 Aug 22. [cited 2015 Jul 25]. Available from: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/allerg/cel-coe/oats_cd-avoine-eng.php
- Anderson OD. The spectrum of major seed storage genes and proteins in oats (Avena sativa). PLoS One. 2014 Jul 23;9(7):e83569. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083569. Abstract available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25054628
- Health Canada. Celiac disease and gluten-free claims on uncontaminated oats. Toxicity of oats for celiac patients. 2015 May 29. [cited 2015 Jul 25]. Available from: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/consult/2014-cel-oats-contam-avoine-coel/document-consultation-eng.php#a6
- Dietitians of Canada. Celiac/Coeliac Disease Background. In: Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition [PEN]. 2013 Nov 29. [cited 2015 Jul 27]. Available from: http://www.pennutrition.com. Access only by subscription.
- Government of Canada – Justice Laws website. Food and Drugs Regulations: B.24.018. 2012 Aug 03. [cited 2015 Jul 25]. Available from: http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/C.R.C.,_c._870/section-B.24.018-20060322.html
- Health Canada. Gluten-free labelling claims for products containing specially produced “gluten-free oats”. 2015 May 29. [cited 2015 Jul 25]. Available from: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/allerg/cel-coe/avoine-gluten-oats-eng.php
Written by Beth Armour, P.Dt, M.Ed.
Canada
beth.armour@bellnet.ca
www.creamhillestates.com
PEN® eNews Editor’s Note: Have a look at the International Celiac Association Statements on the Safety of Oats and the International Celiac/Coeliac Association Statements on the Safety of Oats.
Changes in technology resulting in changes in professional practice
We received several submissions reflecting on how electronic access to high quality information has enhanced dietetic practice.
Dietitians have better access to information
In the last decade, our dietetic practice has drastically changed; particularly in the areas of Internet, innovation and technology. Just over 10 years ago, our primary reference in dietetic practice was a well-known paper copy called the "Manual of Clinical Dietetics" that sat up on our shelves. Fast forward 10 years 
and we are now able to access the most up-to-date information, guidelines, recommendations and patient tools in a matter of seconds using online PEN site.
Gone are the days when you needed to photocopy journal articles in the library. Technology has also brought us all closer together, as we are now able to communicate quickly and efficiently with our colleagues near and far. Our patients have also become more knowledgeable and more informed, but not always with the correct information they gather from the Internet. Our visibility online as Registered Dietitians who, as professionals, can provide patients and their families with most accurate information, has become of significant importance. The development of the Kidney Community Kitchen is one of the great ways the renal community has provided patients and their caregivers a reliable and easy to use site. This site allows fast access to renal recipes, kidney diet information and online tools to plan and track your meals, as well as offer discussion areas where people living with kidney disease can connect.
Submitted by Christine Nash MSc(C), RD, CDE and Elizabeth Zamajski RD, BASc
Canadian Association of Nephrology Dietitians Co-Chair, Dietitians of Canada
Changes in technology has helped me give better service to my clients
Depuis 10 ans, le virage technologique est ce qui soutient le plus ma pratique de la diététique. La normalisation des façons de procéder, le partage de l’information grâce à PEN®, la visibilité de la profession des diététistes grâce à l’Ordre des diététistes sont des facteurs qui ont ajouté de la crédibilité à la profession. Les diététistes gagnent du terrain dans les médias, l’utilisation du lobby auprès des politiciens et du gouvernement sont de nouvelles stratégies pour diffuser et influencer au sujet de la saine alimentation. En tant que diététistes, nous avons dépassé le cadre clinique et déversons dans toutes les sphères de l’activité quotidienne. Même s’il y a de plus en plus de messages prometteurs d’un changement instantané au niveau de la santé, les Diététistes du Canada nous offrent des outils pour demeurer à la fine pointe afin de nous soutenir pour prendre position contre la pensée magique. La technologie nous permet d’être réseautés aux collègues. Les opportunités de formation sont nombreuses et utilisent des médias varies, tels que les conférences, les balado-diffusions, cours en ligne pour se tenir au fait de la nutrition et de la diététique. Le Canada est devenu chef de file sur la scène internationale grâce au virage technologique entrepris par Diététiste du Canada. Tout ceci fait en sorte que je peux offrir un meilleur service à la clientèle.
In the past 10 years the change in technology is what has most affected my practice. Standardized ways of doing things, sharing of knowledge thanks to PEN®, visibility of the profession thanks to dietetic organizations, all are factors adding to the credibility of dietitians. Dietitians have gained ground with the media, lobbying government and politicians are new strategies to spread the word and to influence healthy eating. As dietitians we have gone beyond clinical practice and diversified into other spheres of daily activity. Even though there are more messages promising instant changes in terms of health, Dietitians of Canada offers us tools to help us remain at the forefront and to take positions against miracle claims. Technology permits us to network with colleagues. Educational (Continuing education) opportunities are many and use different media... conferences, podcasts, online courses, all of them keeping us up to date in nutrition and dietetics. Canada has become an international leader thanks to a shift in technology by Dietitians of Canada. All of this allows me to give a better service to my clients.
Joëlle Zorzetto, BSc, Dt.P. | RD
Canada
Access to high quality information has strengthened our evidence-based practise
For dietitians working in continuing care the most significant change in our practice in the past decade has been how the easy access to high quality information has strengthened our evidence-based practice ensuring our value as important members of the interdisciplinary care team. As we are often sole practitioners, we work without the benefit of colleagues to consult when encountering an unfamiliar practice issue or mentoring dietetic interns.
Ten years ago, when faced with one of these scenarios we would consult a bulky diet manual or go to the library to do a literature search. Then we would read and synthesize all our search results, revise our policies and procedures and finally develop an in-service to instruct staff – spending days, even weeks, to change a practice. Our increasing scope of practice and reduced funding are challenges that have further impacted our ability to remain current in the ever-growing field of geriatric nutrition. Today we consult PEN®, do a quick review of the evidence in the Knowledge Pathway and practice questions and then locate the PEN® Toolkit. From the Toolkit we have access to additional information and resources for use with foodservices staff. What once required days or even weeks, now takes an hour or less. Though care needs of our continuing care residents continue to increase, as dietitians we are confident in our ability to evolve our practice and be good mentors to dietetic interns with the support and efficiency that PEN® offers us.
Maryke Schouten, R.D.
Canada
Access to online evidence-based practice guidance
In my work, when I am required to advise on any food or nutrition topic whether helping a member of the public or for media work or a letter to governmentor decision-maker, I always check PEN® first to ensure that my knowledge is up-to-date and my comments are evidence-based. PEN® enables me to be more effective and confident in my advice.
Submission by Karen Boyd MSc, RD.
Regional Executive Director, Alberta and the Territories Region
Dietitians of Canada.
Access to credible nutrition information has changed my oncology practice!
As an oncology dietitian, helping cancer patients meet their unique nutrition needs while undergoing cancer treatment and recovery is both rewarding and challenging. One of the biggest changes I have witnessed in my practice over the past ten years is that patients are exposed to more nutrition 
misinformation than ever before through the internet, and their highly influential social networks. I am frequently asked by patients to help them sort nutrition facts from fiction regarding special diet regimens or supplements they have read or been told about.
A cancer patient’s nutrition is one of the most important things they can take charge of to help themselves during their cancer treatment and recovery, so it is important that they have evidence-based, safe, and easy to understand recommendations to follow. Prior to the launch of PEN®, it was often challenging to find easy to understand, evidence-based nutrition information and recommendations for patients. The PEN® handout series has grown over the years and has become my ‘go to’ nutrition education resource for patients. The information is clearly presented and referenced, easy to use as a teaching tool, and easy for patients to understand. The handouts provide information on a wide range of topics from general nutrition information for cancer patients, to specific recommendations on topics like vitamin and mineral requirements. Using PEN® handouts to educate patients has been the biggest change in my practice over the past 10 years. Thank you PEN® for this great resource!
Written by Gina Sunderland, MSc, RD
Canada
gina@ginadietitian.ca
www.ginadietitian.ca
@gsunderland
PEN® eNews Editor’s note: We have practice guidance and client resources for preventing and managing various cancers. Sign up for content alerts on the different cancer knowledge pathways to receive updated content in this area.
Consumers have better access to information – paging Dr Google!
We received several insights from dietitians about the increase in the public’s access to nutrition information via “Dr Google”.
The most significant change in dietetic practice over the past 10 years is the abundance of nutrition information, easily accessible on the Internet, from a huge variety of reliable and unreliable sources. This has led to conflicting nutrition messages, mass public confusion and frustration, and contradictory 
stories in the media.
A large percentage of the public (as well as other health professionals) are unaware of the differences in training between registered dietitians and others working in nutrition. We need to work collaboratively with other nutrition professionals to some extent, but we also need to ensure that the public knows the immense value of a dietitian’s extensive training and expertise. The abundance of nutrition information available to the public, among other things, has also created a demand for more integrative focused services. Dietitians need to be providing these services – using an evidence-based approach. If we don't do it, other nutrition professionals will, and likely not as effectively as a dietitian. This is an opportunity for us to take the lead in this area of practice!
Lastly, the wide availability of nutrition information from a variety of sources creates the need (and opportunity) for more dietitians to be working in communications. We need to interpret and translate scientific evidence to target a wide variety of audiences using effective communication principles. This will clear up the confusion, ensure that the right key messages are heard, and increase the profile of our profession. The more dietitian voices out there the better – so speak up!
Written by Melissa Baker, MHSc(c), RD
Canada
www.upbeet.ca
@upbeetRD
I am newly graduated, and so, could not tell you what is the major change in the past 10 years, but could certainly tell you what I noticed/heard the most as an intern/Dietitian on a daily basis over the past 8 years. Nutrition is everywhere on social networks, and so are every kind of nutrition ‘experts’. Now we advocate more than ever about credible nutrition information. We help consumers to understand myths/fictions and give insight into new trends, such as cleanses, gluten-free diets, Paleo diets, etc. I don’t know if 10 years ago people had all this information access. While this access could be great, it could also be harmful when consumers get their information from unregulated health practitioner blogs, or non-science-based websites.
Written by Marie-Ève Cloutier, Dt. P / RD candidate
Canada
The use by the public of ‘Dr Google’ for diet/nutrition information resulted in more informed public, but also more misinformation from alternative providers of nutrition information. Dietitians need to remain very up-to-date on both the scientific literature and all of the various lay sources of nutrition including the vast Internet sources.
Written by Monica Story MSc, RD
Canada
PEN® eNews Editor’s note: Dietitians help cut through the nutrition clutter through unsubstantiated nutrition and diet claims:
Electronic health record and dietetic services
Over the last 10 years, there has been an increasing use and complexity of electronic health record systems for nutrition care, as well as in quality improvement projects and research. (In Alberta, the electronic health record began development in 2000). As of 2010, every Canadian jurisdiction has at least one core electronic health record (EHR) system in place, and some provinces had full EHR systems in place . These systems have been developed to deliver health care in both primary care physicians’ offices and acute, and long-term care institutions. In terms of RD roles, this has allowed ease in nutrition referral, nutrition assessment, entry of nutrition orders (diet, enteral, TPN) and documentation, using the formerly called International Dietetics and Nutrition Terminology (IDNT) methodology, now called eNCP (Nutrition Care Process). With the adoption of the eNCP approach to documenting all aspects of nutrition care on medical records, DC has advocated for eNCP to be included as electronic health record systems are further developed.
By Monica Story MSc, RD
Canada
References:
Changes in professional practice – practicing dietetics
Over the last 10 years, we have seen new opportunities and ways of practicing the art of dietetics.
Dietitians as agents of behavior change
Dietitians are experts in the science of nutrition, teaching people what, when and how much to eat. In the last decade, dietitians have also been developing skills to address the psychology of eating. Using cognitive-behavioural techniques they help people understand ‘why’ it’s challenging to make long-term eating behaviour changes and how to address the underlying barriers.
Clinical practice guidelines around the world recommend cognitive-behavioural (CBT) strategies for successful management of chronic diseases and obesity (1-6). An Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ADA) position statement declared:
“A comprehensive weight management program should make maximum use of the multiple strategies for cognitive behavioral therapy (ie, self-monitoring, stress management, stimulus control, problem solving, contingency management, cognitive restructuring, and social support). Cognitive behavior therapy in addition to diet and physical activity leads to additional weight loss . . . and may be necessary to prevent a return to baseline weight.” Rating: Strong, Imperative (7)
In response to these calls for action, many dietitians are now trained to help people change their eating habits by changing their thinking habits. In addition to addressing the thoughts and emotions linked to a person’s eating behaviour, this approach promotes a therapeutic alliance between the dietitian and client. Together they can discuss complex environmental factors and the client’s personal relationship with food that influence their eating (8). The result is an increase in the client’s eating self-efficacy (9). Clients often tell me that they no longer see dietitians as ‘food police’, but rather trusted nutrition experts ‘who get it!’
References:
- Australian Government Department of Health (2013) Clinical practice guidelines for the management of overweight and obesity in adults, adolescents and children in Australia. Available from: https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/publications/attachments/n57_obesity_guidelines_140630.pdf
- Canadian Diabetes Association (2008) Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and management of diabetes in Canada. Canadian Journal of Diabetes 32: Supplement 1. Available from: http://archive.diabetes.ca/files/cpg2008/cpg-2008.pdf
- Lau D., Douketis J., Morrison K., et al. (2007) 2006 Canadian clinical practice guidelines on the management and prevention of obesity in adults and children (summary). Canadian Medical Association Journal 176(8Suppl):S1-S13. Abstract available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1839777/
- National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence. National Collaborating Centre for Primary Care and the Centre for Public Health Excellence in NICE. (2006) Obesity: guidelines for the prevention, identification, assessment and management of overweight and obesity in adults and children. (United Kingdom). Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg43
- National Institutes of Health. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2000) The practical guide: identification, evaluation, and treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. Available from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/files/docs/guidelines/prctgd_c.pdf
- Shaw KA, O’Rourke P, Del Mar C et al. (2005) Psychological interventions for overweight or obesity. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005 Apr 18;(2):CD003818. Abstract available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15846683
- Position of the American Dietetic Association: Weight Management. (2009) J Am Diet Assoc 109: 330-346. Abstract available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19244669
- Niemeier H., Phelan S., Fava J., Wing R. (2007) Internal disinhibition predicts weight regain following weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Obesity 15:2485-2494. Abstract available from: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/oby.2007.295/full
- von Ranson, K., Stevenson, A., Cannon, C., & Shah, W. (2010) Changes in eating pathology and associated symptoms among chronically ill adults attending a brief psychoeducational group. Eating Behaviors 11: 186-189. Abstract available from: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/43533101_Changes_in_eating_pathology_and_associated_symptoms_among_chronically_ill_adults_attending_a_brief_psychoeducational_group
Submitted by:
Wendy Shah, RD
Canada
info@cravingchange.ca
www.cravingchange.ca
PEN® Editor’s Note: Looking for more information on counselling theories? Have a look at our Counselling Models Background.
Patient-centered care as the new norm
I have observed a paradigm shift to patient-centered (focused) care in the past 10 years. This holds true for all clinical settings, regardless of adult or pediatric populations. ‘Patient-focused or patient-centered care is not a new concept, but its value has been overlooked in preference to the technology-based, disease-centered model that has prevailed in medicine for the last 50 years. Patient-focused care includes four broad areas of intervention: communication with patients, partnerships, health promotion, and physical care (medications and treatments). ... The patient-focused approach has been shown to improve physicians' (health care professional) performance, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes without requiring additional investment in time or resources.’
To relate this to nutrition knowledge and dietetic practice, this change in practice can be nicely demonstrated in the evolution of the ‘meal plan.’ Whether the dietitian is practicing in diabetes (using diabetic exchanges), chronic kidney disease, eating disorders, weight management, or other area, it is the new norm to focus on patient-centred care when developing meal plans. In the past meal plans were much more rigid and structured. Meal plans are now created in a more flexible way so that patients can self-select meal patterns that work best for their lifestyle.
References:
- Irwin RS1, Richardson ND. Patient-focused care: using the right tools. Chest. 2006 Jul;130(1 Suppl):73S-82S. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16840370
Written by Katie Couzens, RD
Canada
Social Media
In the past 10 years, one of the greatest changes in dietetic practice is the use of social media to reach the masses. ‘Social media can be a quick, low-cost, 
direct way for nutrition educators to broaden the scope of their targeted programs.’ (1). Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, blogs, and the like, allow dietitians to reach a wider audience and help disseminate credible nutrition information. Dietitians who combine the use of social media with tools such as PEN help to strengthen the credibility of our profession, and show social media communities that dietitians are nutrition experts and leaders in nutrition education. Great job PEN, your work is invaluable!!
Reference:
- Social Media and Nutrition Education: The Food Hero Experience’ Lauren N. Tobey, MS, RD; Melinda M. Manore, PhD, RD. J Nutr Educ Behav. 2014;46:128-133.
Submission by Katie Couzens, RD
Canada
PEN® eNews Editor’s Note: We were very flattered to receive this voluntary shout-outs from Katie. We are here to support dietetic practice and are thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside passionate and hard-working dietitians around the world.
Social media is an area that continues to grow and is another communication vehicle for dietitians to retain their authority as food and nutrition experts. Did you know, we have Facebook Twitter and LinkedIn accounts? Connect with us via social media. Incorporate evidence-based information into your own networks! We have almost 40 tools and resources on social media to support your dietetic practice.
Primary Health Care and Chronic Disease
The emergence of Primary Health Care/teams as an important component of managing chronic disease, including dietitians’ key role on these teams (1). As 20-25% of all visits to family physicians’ offices are related to nutrition, there is increasing recognition of the need for access to dietitians (2). More effective, coordinated access to dietitians remains a concern, especially in urban areas (3).
References:
- Moving Forward. The Role of the Registered Dietitian in Primary Health Care, A National Perspective, Dietitians of Canada, 2009.
- Dietitians in primary health care: better health, better care, better value. Available from: http://www.dietitians.ca/Downloads/Public/Dietitians-Promote-Health-Primary-Health-Care-pdf.aspx.
- Wynn, K et al. Nutrition in Primary Care. Canadian Family Physician March 2010 vol. 56 no. 3 e109-e116.
Written by Monica Story MSc, RD
Calgary, Canada
Explosion of foodie culture
To me, the major aspect of nutrition that is noteworthy is the proliferation of the foodie culture. It speaks to what the population gravitate towards, which is 
tasty and exciting food. Even though there has been a simultaneous growth of health-consciousness, what people feel positive about are not the low-fat, gluten-free, or any other healthy trends. In my eyes, what I see lasting is the ongoing promotion of tasty food, whether it be the shopping of, preparation of, or consumption of tasty food. People “want” to learn about and eat tasty food, and that will always triumph over health messaging.
What I think the implication to our field is that we as dietitians need to put tasty first, no matter what we do and how we do it. We need to present our messages, guidance, and our “brand” as tasty! We know that healthy, fresh, and sustainable foods “are” tasty, but I think we need to market ourselves and our messages in a more palatable way. I believe that is why celebrity chefs are more popular and have a bigger following than we do. They emphasize the sweet, the savoury, and above all, the enjoyment of food. I would like nutrition to be associated with happiness, as opposed to guilt, fat, and dieting.
I would like dietitians to take on the promotion of themselves and the field of nutrition in a positive, “tasty” way. How do we attach positivity and professionalism to our jobs? We need to create a larger following if we are to survive and thrive! I challenge fellow dietitians to take this on over the next decade.
By Joyce Wong MHSc, RD
Canada
PEN® Editor’s Note: While we have seen the growth of foodie culture, we have also seen the emergence of the concept of food literacy.
Understanding the complexity of food literacy - is it all about our connection with food?
The concepts of health literacy and food literacy have been explored and defined in relation to registered dietitian’s practice and framework for action (1, 2). Additionally, a number of strategies for improving consumer food literacy have been suggested (3). These principles are likely familiar to most practicing dietitians. 
Over the past decade, research in the areas of health and food literacy has expanded, while, in my experience, consumers have become less connected with their food, and as a result, their nutrition. This lack of connection appears to be unrelated to income, education and age - it seems to be related to a perception of time, a drive for convenience, and a lack of knowledge, skills and confidence, regarding food selection and preparation.
For dietitians, this creates new challenges related to client education. I find that I need to spend more time asking questions related to people's schedules, cooking competency, time spent grocery shopping, and perceptions around healthy food choices. While many consumers have the capacity to grocery shop, read labels and prepare whole foods, they appear to lack the ability to translate these skills into healthy meal planning and preparation. In my practice, I have seen that the use of technology has increased the consumer’s ability to look for and interpret health-related information, while the ability to manage their concerns, through the purchasing and preparing whole foods, has declined. I have well-educated, financially secure clients who have no idea how to cut and prepare cauliflower; who do not know what a mango is, or who have no idea how to cook chicken, if it does not come pre-breaded, in a box, with detailed cooking instructions.
This dramatic increase in access to health-related information, and concurrent disconnect from food and food preparation is one of the most significant and challenging changes that I have noticed, over the past decade. As dietitians, we need to be equipped and prepared to encourage and coach clients back into the kitchen and to reconnect food with nutrition.
References:
- Wood, J., Gillis, D. Exploring dietitians' engagement with health literacy: concept and practice. Can J of Diet Pract and Res. 2015; 76(2): 51-55. Abstract available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26067412
- Cullen, T., Hatch, J., Martin, W., Wharf Higgins, J., Sheppard, R. Food literacy and framework for action. Can J of Diet Pract and Res. 2015; 76(2): 1-6
- Howard, A., Edge, J. What's to eat? Improving food literacy in Canada. Conference Board of Canada. 2015. Available from: http://www.conferenceboard.ca/cfic/research/2013/whatstoeat.aspx
Submitted by:
Andrea Miller MHSC, RD
Canada
PEN® Editor’s note – looking for more information about food literacy? Have a look at these food literacy resources in PEN:
Evidence-based dietetic practice – the most significant change in nutrition knowledge and dietetic practice in the last 10 years
10 years ago, the Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice & Research published an article examining dietetics trainees’ preparedness for practice as perceived 
by trainees and program coordinators (1). This Canada-wide survey included 36 programs that evaluated preparedness against the 45 competencies and 100 sub competencies for entry-level dietetic practice in existence at that time (2). No mention of evidence or evidence-based practice occurs in any of the competencies or in the article. In contrast, the current integrated competencies for dietetic education and practice cite evidence and evidence-informed practice in several areas (3). Searching ‘evidence’ in the DC member database produces 71 pages of hits. We have achieved huge strides in defining and describing the importance of evidence-based dietetic practice. We have also spent much time in the past 10 years learning how to ask the right question, and acquire and appraise evidence. One of our current challenges is how to apply the evidence within our practice setting and considering a specific client’s values and preferences. In the next decade, I believe we will need to have a much greater focus on fine-tuning the art of translating evidence into practice.
By: Dawna Royall, MSc, RD
Canada
From textbook to online access to information
My PEN® highlight is the success I have experienced integrating the use of PEN® as a requirement in all assignments in all of the courses that I teach (these are Nutrition Assessment; Introduction to Communications; Introduction to Research in Nutrition and Health; Senior Seminar; Nutrition and Aging; Affecting 
Change in Nutrition and Dietetics). Assignments build upon each other and contribute toward completing the term project in each of these courses.
Referencing requirements for assignments are:
- At least one Knowledge Pathway or Practice Point from PEN®
- At least one grey literature source (e.g., conference abstracts; government, non-profit or industry websites)
- At least three peer-reviewed articles.
I have made PEN
® a required resource for the simple reason that this requires students to log into PEN
® and to ‘have a look around’. This is how they learn to use search features, and to find Knowledge Paths or Practice Points related to their topic. My intention is that by having referred to PEN
® multiple times throughout their years at university, student use of PEN will become routine by the time they graduate, and that they will continue to use it during their internships or graduate training, and in their workplaces. This is indeed what I observe happening with the students at Acadia University and the dietetic interns in the Acadia University Internship – they become savvy PEN
® users!
Students report that they appreciate having synopses of topics available on PEN
®, and that this helps them get ‘up to speed’ on their topic. They also learn about what sorts of journals are available related to their topics, what key reference documents are used in the nutrition care planning for a given condition or set of circumstances, and what the current thinking is about questions/issues related to their topics. Finally, they appreciate that the PEN
® content was written by practicing dietitians, and dietetics students/interns (it reflects the ‘real world’), and that content is rigorously reviewed for accuracy and relevance.
Written by:
Catherine Morley, PhD, PDt, FDC
Canada
PEN® eNews Editor’s Note: We are passionate about supporting students in developing skills to practice evidence-based dietetics. Working with nutrition students? Have a look at our PEN Student Assignment Guide to see how we can help you!
What will the next 10 years look like?
Will we be eating bugs for breakfast? What kind of pseudoscience will we be tackling? What dietetic descriptors will be used? What findings will surprise us? Perhaps the best way to sum up the last 10 years is with this submission, received first out of 30 submissions.
Food Weather Forecast: The More Things Change, the More they Stay the Same
Author’s Note: Immersed with consumers at street level so-to-speak, I share through that lens.
It’s tough to pick just one area of food knowledge that has evolved over the past decade. It could be the low carb tsunami that forever changed conversations about carbohydrates and improved awareness of whole grains and protein. Steadily drizzling glycemic index and gluten-free rain saturated this. Social media shook like an earthquake, drastically changing the landscape of how and from whom consumers access information. Like every decade 
before, consumers have also been in an avalanche of fad diets and new food products designed to return them to their paleo roots, increase gut bacteria and shrink their wheat bellies. Steady winds blew in trendy foods annually. Cauliflower or hemp anyone? Food religion, an almost judgmental approach to being organic, vegan or raw struck consumers like a high UV index whether they’re interested in converting or not.
Although climate change has occurred, the nutritional weather of the past ten years isn’t necessarily different than previous decades. Low fat craze, Fit for Life, soy foods, eggs are bad-no wait-they’re good…it constantly changes. Sadly, rates of obesity, diabetes and ill-health have gotten worse. The approach is wrong. (And that’s another article with more than 250 words!)
As the weather systems roll in and out, a few truths remain. People eat. People age. People get stuck in ruts. They want improved health, weight loss, more energy and fresh new meal ideas. The brain likes novelty and is attracted to the latest food news. Those who weather the storm apply what dietitians have always promoted: eating well at least 80% of the time, buying groceries every week, cooking at home, staying active, getting a good night’s sleep, managing stress and trying new things every so often to prevent getting bored. They stay firm on the well-being path and take shelter when the latest nutrition tornado begins swirling. Congratulations PEN® team on your 10 year anniversary!
Written by Patricia Chuey, MSc, RD, FDC
Canada
www.patriciachuey.com
Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn: PatriciaChuey