Table 1.

5A’s coding framework definitions and examples

Strategy	Definition	Example
Assess	Clinician asks the patient about weight, nutrition and/or physical activity.	“How is your diet?” “How often do you exercise”
Advise	Clinician provides the patient with advice about weight, physical activity or nutrition.	“You should eat at least 3 small meals each day with nutritious snacks in between.” “Your goal would be to gain between 15–25 pounds during the course of your entire pregnancy”
Agree	Patient and clinician agree to a specific course of action with respect to weight, physical activity or nutrition.	Clinician: “How can we work to make sure you are getting in the right fluids?” Patient: “I can stop drinking soda. I can also no more than a cup of juice and at least 5 or 6 cups of water every day.”
Assist	Clinician and patient work together to identify barriers and/or supports for nutrition or physical activity.	Clinician: “Is there anyone at home who can help you with cooking?” Patient: “My mother cooks for me at least once per week.”
Arrange	Clinician arranges for follow up with clinician, nutritionist or social worker.	“I know you’re having trouble getting healthy food. Would you like to speak to a social worker about that?” “It seems like you are having difficulty figuring out what to eat. I’d like you to talk to a nutritionist about that.