cooking up collaboration: a multidisciplinary approach to ... · provide practical skills and...

INTRODUCTIONHealthy eating can be challenging for people with MultipleSclerosis (MS). In addition to misinformation on MS diets,people with MS have additional challenges includingfatigue and physical and cognitive symptoms. This impactstheir ability to meal plan, grocery shop, and prepare meals.Collaboration between Dietitians (RD), OccupationalTherapists (OT) and the YMCA/Wellness Centre locatedwithin the hospital allows for a unique and holisticapproach to tackling these challenges in the kitchen.

DESCRIPTIONFun, interactive and informal cooking workshops weredesigned by an RD and OT. Specific healthy recipes werechosen to highlight concepts such as energy conservation,cognitive compensatory strategies, use of adaptive kitchendevices, healthy eating choices, and the benefits of specificnutrients in MS. The focus was on nutrient dense, balancedmeals with discussions around debunking food myths andfad diets. Food samples were provided at the end of eachclass, which allowed for unstructured time for participantsto connect with each other and the Healthcare Providers.

RESULTSParticipants completed program evaluations. Data was collectedover the course of 14 separate cooking classes. There were 109responses in total. Participants felt that they learned a significantamount (4.3/5) and were satisfied with the class (4.8/5). Theyreported feeling more confident in their ability to plan andprepare healthy recipes. The group structure also allowed for asupportive environment in which participants felt normalized intheir experiences and were comfortable in sharing their personalsuccesses and struggles. Based on the feedback, an additionalhands-on class that enables participants to use and trial adaptedcooking devices has been developed. Finally, the ongoingsuccessful collaboration with the YMCA/Wellness Centre led toparticipants gaining free passes to the YMCA.

CONCLUSIONThe cooking workshops provide a unique opportunity forcollaboration between RD, OT, and the local hospitalYMCA/Wellness Centre. Participants were provided with acomprehensive and supportive approach to managingchallenges in the kitchen brought on by their MS. Basedon the incredible feedback and participant satisfaction,these workshops have been expanded and will continue tobe offered.

GOALProvide practical skills and knowledge in an interactivegroup format to increase participants’ confidence in thekitchen and ability to prepare healthy meals.

Karolina Korzeniewski, RD and Megan Parker, OTOutpatient Neurology Clinics, South Health Campus, Calgary, Canada

Cooking up Collaboration:A Multidisciplinary Approach to Promote Success in the Kitchen for

Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis

Handout: Sample Meal Planning

Handout: Cooking Tips for People with MS

The Wellness Centre Kitchen at South HealthCampus (workshop location)

The cooking classes

Some of the adapted devices demonstrated

INTRODUCTION

GOAL

RESULTS

DESCRIPTION

CONCLUSION