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Physicians, preventive care, and applied nutrition: selected literature
1Department of Health Education, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122.
Summary
Physicians need more training in nutrition for preventive care. Despite some improvements, medical education and physician practices require greater focus on nutrition to effectively manage conditions like coronary heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Preventive Cardiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Physicians' roles in preventive care are expanding.
- Nutritional care and patient counseling are key components of health promotion.
- Coronary heart disease prevention often involves cholesterol control through dietary intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review medical school curricula and physician practices related to nutritional care.
- To assess physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning nutrition, particularly for cholesterol control.
- To identify gaps in physician training and research regarding preventive care and applied nutrition.
Main Methods:
- A core review of 25 articles (1982-1991) on medical education and nutrition.
- Supplementary discussion linking core findings to broader research on physician health promotion and counseling.
- Analysis of trends in physician preparedness for preventive care.
Main Results:
- Modest increases in attention to nutrition within medical training were observed.
- Some improvement in physicians' attitudes towards dietary intervention was noted.
- Gaps persist in physicians' training and research related to preventive care and nutrition.
Conclusions:
- Medical education and physician practices require more effective attention to nutrition.
- Enhanced focus on nutrition is crucial for physicians to lead in preventive care.
- Further research is needed on physicians, preventive care, and applied nutrition.