Physicians and Nutrition Education

Presented by:Deena Wang

Joceneia TimasCristina Rosario

BackgroundMost Americans say that their physician is

their primary source for nutrition information

Nutrition education is not mandatory for a medical degree Electives in nutrition are limited

Lack of communication between physicians, nutritionists and dieticians

SignificanceWithout proper nutrition education,

physicians are not able to give dietary instructions to their patients

Patients cannot always afford consults with dieticians or nutritionists

The public can be mislead about proper nutrition

Goals and Objectives

Goal Improve physicians’ knowledge of nutrition, so

that they may better serve their patients’ needs.

Objectives To teach physicians nutrition principles Increase communication between

nutritionist/dietitians and physicians

Who is involved?

Professionals Physicians and Family Practitioners Nutritionists and Dietitians Policy Makers

Organizations Hospitals Clinics/Healthcare Centers Medical Institutions

Evidence How much does your Doctors know about

Nutrition? The New York Times “I know we’re supposed to know about nutrition and diet, but

none of us really does.”

“Physician’s Nutrition Education Lacking” Surveyd 126 schools American Dietitian Association Separate nutrition course: 30 Minimum 25 h recommendation met: 40 Avg of 21 hours in 4 yr curriculum 93 (88%) needs more “Physician’s Nutrition Education Lacking”

“What Do Resident Physicians Know about Nutrition? An Evaluation of Attitudes, Self-Perceived Proficiency and Knowledge 94% - felt obligated to discuss with patients 14% - felt adequately trained

More Evidence Nutrition Education for Physician, Medical school

Review (1978-1995) Effective: family practice residency, noon time lecture conference series

model, registered dietitians involvement

Innovative Teaching Strategies for Training Physicians in Clinical Nutrition Incorporate nutrition assessment into busy medical practices Effective in helping patient overcome nutrition-related maladies

(ASNS, 2003)

Total Nutritional Therapy: A Nutrition Education Program for Physicians 2-day course in clinical nutrition Increased use of nutrition assessment Increased number of patients placed on nutrition therapy

(Nutr Hosp 2004)

Implications for Health Education & Program Planning

Raising physicians’ awareness of their insufficient knowledge and education options

Healthy People

Healthy People 2020 Objectives Retained But Modified From Healthy

People 2010 Increase the proportion of physician offices visits

that include counseling or education related to nutrition or weight.

Implications (con’t.)

Health Education Provide in-person training sessions and online

courses Evaluate effectiveness of training sessions and

courses ex. Nutrition Therapy & Nutrition Assessment

Coordinate patient care with other providers and other health institutions if needed Improve communication among

nutritionist/dieticians and physicians

Provide culturally relevant nutritional care to patients from multicultural backgrounds

Implications (con’t.)

Health Advocacy Advocate to policy makers and medical school

administrators to implement mandatory nutritional education for physicians

Advocate to physicians the need for proper nutrition education and its benefits to their patients

Provide cultural competent health literacy materials for patients that are from other countries

Promote physician nutrition education at different health and academic institutions

Challenges

Policies, costs, time constraints and proper nutrition education

It is difficult to provide the education at a specific point during a physician’s career

May seem relatively unimportant and it is difficult to provide nutrition education in already crowded medical curriculum of medical schools

Evaluation of training courses

QuestionsDo you think physicians should be educated

in nutrition or should they just refer to nutritionist/dietitians?

When would you give physicians nutrition education? During pre-med, medical school, residency, or later on?

How much nutrition education do you think is appropriate?