KEY FEATURES:

DietMatePro is a comprehensive system for monitoring participants who are making dietary changes by integrating Palm and Web technologies. DietMatePro allows researchers and clinicians to assign dietary regimens modeled after evidence-based diets (e.g. DASH) or create individualized treatment plans. Alternatively, DietMatePro can be used to monitor dietary intake without providing specific dietary recommendations. DietMatePro uses the expandable USDA-based nutrient database and supplemental databases for restaurant and brand name foods. Real-time data entry and web accessibility provides the professional user with accurate and up-to-date information on the dietary intake of participants. Participants' records are time and date stamped to aid in data validation. As a further convenience client information can be summarized in graphical reports or downloaded for further analysis. DietMatePro includes features that decrease recording time such as “Save-A-Meal” and “Planned Meal.”

DietMatePro was developed by PICS, Inc. who pioneered the use of computerized behavioral interventions and mobile self-monitoring systems. PICS staff are experts in science and technology with over 20 years of experience. DietMatePro was developed and scientifically validated with grants from the US National Institutes of Health.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

DietMatePro addresses the needs of researchers and dietitians by providing a cost-effective method for designing and tailoring dietary regimens from scratch or by modifying one of the provided evidence based diets, e.g. DASH, etc.. Data can be reviewed as a listing of portion sizes and foods or summarized by nutrients, then analyzed using graphical reports or downloaded for export into statistical packages. The user-friendly design of DietMatePro allows the clinicians and researchers to tailor the program to suit their specific requirements without having to rely on computer programmers.

KEY BENEFITS:

DietMatePro uses a Palm device for recording dietary intakes, which facilities real-time documentation of food intake thus reducing the errors associated with retrospective self-reports. Data can be reviewed as a listing of portion sizes and foods or summarized by nutrients, then analyzed using graphical reports or downloaded for export into statistical packages. The date and time stamp of every record further encourages accurate recording. DietMatePro comes with a library of evidence based dietary regimens, which include daily calorie and nutrient targets, meal plans and recipes. Further customization can be achieved by implementing tailored dietary regimens. The web-centric approach allows professional users to log-in wherever they have Internet access.

Nutrient Database:

DietMatePro is based on the USDA Nutrient Database and includes data for approximately 6,660 food items and up to 120 food components. To meet the specific needs of researchers, clinicians, and clients, there is also an option to supplement the USDA database with restaurant and brand-name foods.

It is important for the researcher and clinician to keep in mind, however, that nutrient data from industry sources is generally limited to the energy and nutrient information provided on the food label. Therefore, these supplemental databases should only be used when the values being targeted are listed on the nutrient food label. DietMatePro uses the expandable USDA-based nutrient database as well as supplemental databases for restaurant and brand name foods.

In addition to personalizing the food database for a protocol, DietMatePro allows further individualization of the database at both the Palm and web level.

Save-A-Meal & Planned Meals:

To better facilitate the client, DietMatePro is equipped with two features called “Save-A-Meal” and “Planned Meals.” These features enable clients to save a commonly consumed group of foods/drinks as a “meal” using the Palm’s recording process. The next time a meal is consumed, the client can select and modify the saved meal, greatly reducing the demands and improving the compliance with the program.

Real-time data entry and web accessibility:

With DietMatePro there is no need for the client to take his/her food diary to the healthcare professional’s office for a staff member to enter the information into a nutrient analysis program to review the results. Immediately after the client syncs the Palm program, all food records are uploaded to the Internet and are available in both raw and nutrient summary form. Thus, DietMatePro allows both the health care professional and the client to review nutrient’s summary information instantly, without the tedious re-entry of food diary information.

To facilitate this process, DietMatePro uses a secure web server application (instead of a desktop application) for uploading, storing, and analyzing recorded food data. Clients can sync their home computer or through a wireless Palm device and their food records are immediately available on the web server application for the health care professional to access. With this feature, the healthcare professional can monitor the client’s diary intake as frequently as necessary.

For research studies for dietary practices that cover a wide geographical area, contact can be expanded remotely as never before. DietMatePro can monitor the dietary intake of any subject anywhere in the world, and deliver the data instantly with each synchronization. DietMatePro’s secured web server application assures each client only the designated professional will access dietary intake data. All information obtained by this program is treated with the same standards of confidentiality afforded to healthcare patients or human research subjects and complies with the Health Insurance Privacy and Portability Act (HIPPA) regulations.

Technical Requirements for DietMatePro: