Quantifying Patient Interest in Plant-Based Diets in Primary and Specialty Medical Practices

Abstract

Introduction: 

Extensive research highlights the significant impact of plant-based diets (PBD) in reducing chronic disease rates and improving mortality outcomes. Despite these benefits, the implementation of PBD remains challenging due to multiple barriers faced by patients and their physicians. This study was designed to objectively evaluate patients’ interest in PBD and to explore opportunities for overcoming physician barriers.

Methods: 

Twenty-nine physician practices in the United States and Canada were surveyed to evaluate patient interest in PBD. Colorful posters and nutrition cards outlining the benefits of PBD were placed in all exam rooms for 15-20 clinic days. Data on patient interactions, including the number of Quick Response (QR) code clicks to a webpage and the number of nutrition cards taken by patients, were collected. The percentage of each, relative to the total number of patient visits during the study period, was used to indicate patient interest in PBD. Physicians also completed pre- and post-study questionnaires.

Results: 

A total of 10,508 patients from nine primary care and twenty subspecialty practices were included in this study. In the 29 individual physician practices, an average of 11.5% (range: 2% to 33.5%) of patients took a physical copy of the nutrition card, while 3.1% (range: 0% to 8%) scanned the QR code on a poster. Sixty-six percent of physician respondents felt their perception of patient interest in plant-based diets changed positively with the study. Physicians also felt the barriers to discussing PBD decreased after the study.

Conclusion: 

Simple clinic-based interventions can promote plant-based nutrition for patients and physicians as well as aid in reducing physician barriers to doing so. Colorful visual tools such as posters with QR codes and nutrition cards led to measurable patient interest and the majority of physicians experienced favorable shifts in their perceptions of PBD. This information can be adapted across multiple specialties to support positive lifestyle changes in patients.