Study Title
Time for nutrition in medical education.
Principal Investigator
Elaine Macaninch, Luke Buckner, Preya Amin, Iain Broadley, Dominic Crocombe, Duleni Herath, Ally Jaffee, Harrison Carter, Rajna Golubic, Minha Rajput-Ray, Kathy Martyn, Sumantra Ray.
Affiliation
Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health, University of Cambridge, University of Bristol, York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, University of Brighton.
Start Date
August 2019.
End Date
February 2020.
Study Objective
To synthesize medical students’ and doctors’ views on the adequacy of nutrition education in medical training and the importance of nutrition in clinical practice, aiming to guide improvements in nutrition education in UK medical schools.
Short Abstract
This study highlights the perceived inadequacies of nutrition education in UK medical schools based on feedback from surveys of 853 medical students and doctors. The findings suggest that while most participants recognize the importance of nutrition in clinical practice, there is insufficient nutrition training, with many reporting less than 2 hours of nutrition education in medical school. The study advocates for better integration of nutrition within medical curricula and clear guidelines on doctors' roles in nutritional care.
Study Design
Cross-sectional surveys and a comparative analysis of curriculum content in UK medical schools.
Population
853 participants, including medical students and junior doctors from the UK.
Sample Size
853 participants.
Inclusion Criteria
Medical students and doctors in the UK who participated in the surveys and curriculum review.
Exclusion Criteria
None specified.
Intervention/Exposure
Evaluation of nutrition education content in medical school curricula and survey feedback on nutrition education and clinical practice.
Outcome Measures
- Perception of the importance of nutrition in medical practice
- Adequacy of nutrition training
- Confidence in nutrition knowledge and advising patients
Funding Source
Funded by MNI Award and AIM Foundation.
Collaborating Institutions
Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, University of Cambridge, University of Bristol, University of Brighton, York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, NNEdPro Global Centre for Nutrition and Health.
Ethics Approval
Not required (survey-based study).
Publication Status
Published in BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health, April 2020.
Keywords
Nutrition education, medical curriculum, UK medical schools, junior doctors, nutrition in clinical practice.
Data Collection Methods
Surveys and curriculum review of nutrition content in UK medical schools.
Primary Data Availability
Data available upon reasonable request from the University of Brighton repository.
Contact Information
Dr. Kathy Martyn,