A survey of physicians' uses/opinions regarding nutrition education resources

Since physicians are one of the public's main sources of nutrition information, a study was conducted to investigate physicians' sources of nutrition knowledge, patient education resources, and opinions about potential nutrition services. A questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of family physicians. The response rate was 53% (n = 255). Fifty-three per cent of respondents ranked their personal knowledge and training as their most frequent source of nutrition information. The most widely reported sources of patient education resources were Health and Welfare Canada and industry. Physicians ranked resources from Health and Welfare Canada as highest for quality characteristics, and industry information as lowest. Pamphlets were ranked as the most/very useful patient service (70%), and physician reimbursement as the most useful physician service (59%). One-quarter of physicians asked for patient information on heart disease. The results of this study suggest physician reimbursement for nutrition education needs to be addressed by health insurance plans if physicians are to be expected to provide nutrition intervention. Further nutrition training for physicians should be conducted through medical education, continuing education and medical journals.