Responses to a GP survey: current controversies in diet and cardiovascular disease

Abstract

BackgroundWhen advising patients on diet and health, the general practitioner (GP) makes judgements based on the evidence available. Since current evidence on diet and cardiovascular disease is conflicted and confusing, we surveyed the current consensus amongst GPs. The aim of this study was to determine the views of GPs on dietary saturated fat, carbohydrates and long chain omega-3 fatty acids in the management of cardiovascular disease.MethodAn online questionnaire inviting participants to comment on seven contentious statements on diet and cardiovascular disease. Questionnaire circulated to the 1800 members of South West Thames Faculty of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP). Participants were invited to tick “Agree”, “Disagree” or “Not sure” and were encouraged to add comments for each question. The results were analysed with a combination of statistical analysis and thematic analysis of comments.ResultsThere were 89 responses. Most GPs seem well aware that drug treatment alone is inadequate and that dietary advice is important. However, there was considerable disagreement about the roles of saturated fats and carbohydrates in cardiovascular disease and “Not sure” responses ranged from 12 to 40.7%. The 40.7% related to a statement on long chain omega-3 fatty acids. Analysis of comments revealed more opinions including an awareness of the need to warn patients about trans-fatty acids.ConclusionsAlthough the GP response rate was poor, responders do seem to see dietary advice as part of their role but do not consider themselves as experts. Education in this area should have a higher priority.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s12875-018-0840-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Physicians with self-diagnosed gadolinium deposition disease: a case series

“…In this era of increased patient input into medical research (15,16) , a novel aspect of the present study is that all of the reporting sufferers were themselves physicians. We are not aware of another study in which the patient population comprised only physicians.…”

Physician Nutrition Advice and Referrals to Registered Dietitians

“…29 Prior research has found that frequency of nutrition advice from providers increase with higher patient BMI, and given the lack of a specific diet recommendation for weight loss, this may provide insight on why the types of advice provided for overweight/obese individuals were more varied. 25,38,39 The results also suggest that providers are referring patients to RDNs in addition to giving their own advice, not as a replacement. Although it was hypothesized that those who provided advice themselves would not feel the need to refer, this was not the case.…”

“…29 Prior research has found that frequency of nutrition advice from providers increase with higher patient BMI, and given the lack of a specific diet recommendation for weight loss, this may provide insight on why the types of advice provided for overweight/obese individuals were more varied. 25,38,39…”

“…8,20 Perhaps due to inadequate education, healthcare providers' attitudes and confidence in their ability to give nutrition advice are consistently reported to be low, 12,13,17,21,22 and there are limited data examining the actual nutrition advice currently being given to patients. Of all providers, there is limited data examining physician nutrition practices, 12,17,[23][24][25] and there is even less data examining the practices and advice of healthcare providers in other professions. 13,26,27 Moreover, most studies have examined healthcare providers outside of the United States.…”