New Study: Enhancing Nutrition Resource Development with an Evidence-Based Checklist

The dietitians and nutrition researchers of the Canadian Sugar Institute (CSI) are pleased to share a new open-access publication, “Enhancing Nutrition Education Resources through the Development and Refinement of a Checklist Using the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM)”. 

This study, led by Dr. Tamara Cohen (University of British Columbia) and supported by Mitacs Canada, applied the Suitability Assessment of Materials Framework to the development of a Resource Development Checklist. The study involved surveys of registered dietitians in refining the checklist and testing its efficacy to improve the quality of nutrition education materials. 

Key Research Findings: 

• Three rounds of refining the resources based on dietitian feedback led to clearer writing, stronger visuals, and more culturally relevant content
• Each time, the clarity, suitability, and overall quality of the materials improved, progressing from “adequate” to “superior” ratings
• Participating dietitians agreed that the revised versions were better tools for client education
• Structured checklists can support the development of high-quality, practical and easy-to-understand nutrition resources

About the Resource Development Checklist: 

• Grounded in the principles of the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) framework and supports best practices in accuracy, clarity, design, and audience engagement
• Suitable for use by dietitians, other health professionals, and trainees
• Included as a resource for participants in the 2025 Canadian Nutrition Society Nutrigraphic Competition 
• Available for download on the CSI website 

For more information, 

• Read the open access paper in the journal Nutrition and Health
• What’s New (June 2025) – New Resource Development Checklist to Support Effective Knowledge Translation – CSI sponsorship CNS Nutrigraphic Competition