Abstract
Eleven student dietitians attempted to comply with a calorie-controlled, diabetic diet for 1 week. Pre- and posttest questionnaires, as well as food diaries, were used to assess projected versus actual compliance, obstacles to adherence, and thoughts and feelings about following a prescribed medical regimen. Scores of deviation from the meal plan and food exchanges were calculated to describe dietary compliance. Only one student indicated she was able to adhere to the diet for the entire week. Twenty-seven percent of the students complied with their meal plan 90 % of the time. All students felt they would be more empathetic in their relationships with patients and involve patients to a greater extent in planning their diets.
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