Nutrition care by primary-care physicians: advancing our understanding using the COM-B framework.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Nutrition care is vital for disease prevention and management.
• Primary-care physicians (PCP) play a key role in delivering health advice.
• Current nutrition education for PCPs may be insufficient.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the extent and nature of nutrition education provided by PCPs.
• To understand the factors influencing PCPs' ability and willingness to provide nutrition care.

Main Methods:

• An integrative review of 16 qualitative and quantitative studies (2012-2018).
• Literature search across major databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus).
• Thematic analysis using the COM-B model (capability, motivation, opportunity).

Main Results:

• PCPs report a lack of nutrition capability.
• Motivation to provide nutrition care varies with patient and physician factors.
• Opportunity to provide care is influenced by educators, mentors, and organizational policies.

Conclusions:

• Nutrition education for PCPs should be integrated into undergraduate and postgraduate training.
• Enhancing PCP capability, motivation, and opportunity is essential for confident nutrition care delivery.
• This integration supports disease prevention and management in modern medical practice.