Assessing the need for enhanced nutrition education among healthcare professionals in Canada: a survey-based study

Nutrition care is a first-line strategy for preventing and managing many health conditions. Understanding healthcare professionals' (HCPs') educational experiences and learning preferences is essential to strengthening nutrition care and supporting timely referrals to dietitians. This study aimed to assess previous nutrition education, nutrition guidance practices, self-perceived nutrition competence, and perceived learning needs among Canadian HCPs and trainees. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted between July and October 2025 among Canadian HCPs and trainees, excluding dietitians and dietetic students. The survey included a sociodemographic questionnaire, a nutrition education needs assessment, and the Nutrition Competence Questionnaire (NUTCOMP). Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics. Independent t-tests compared NUTCOMP scores between groups of professionals. Open-ended responses were analyzed inductively to identify themes related to nutrition education needs and preferred learning formats. A total of 168 HCPs completed the survey. Participants were predominantly women (79%), with most practicing in British Columbia. Over half (51%) of participants reported receiving ≤15 h of nutrition education during pre-licensure training, and 25% had engaged in nutrition education within the previous 2 years. Two-thirds (67%) reported a need for further nutrition education. Attitudes toward nutrition care were higher than perceived knowledge and skills, and allied HCPs reported lower nutrition competence than physicians, nurses, and dentists (p < 0.05). Participants emphasized the importance of referrals to dietitians and preferred online, self-guided modules that incorporated case studies, downloadable resources, and certificates of completion. Canadian HCPs report limited nutrition education and a demand for accessible, continued, and practice-focused nutrition education and training.