Whole-Foods, Plant-Based Diet Perceptions of Medical Trainees Compared to Their Patients: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate medical trainees’ and patients’ perceptions of the utility of a whole-foods, plant-based (WFPB) diet for chronic disease management. Methods: A cross-sectional study using two original survey tools was implemented. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected from trainees and patients to evaluate perceived motivations and barriers to WFPB diet implementation. Results: Two hundred trainees and 52 patients responded to the surveys. Nearly half (48%) of patients were willing to try a WFPB diet, expressing a desire for additional information and help with its practical application. Over half (53%) of trainees were willing to recommend a WFPB diet to patients but expressed concern about its acceptability and feasibility. Patients perceived significantly more barriers related to personal enjoyment of animal products while trainees perceived more socioeconomic barriers. Conclusion: Poor diet has been identified as the United States’ leading risk factor for mortality from chronic diseases. Plant-predominant diets, such as a WFPB diet, are associated with improved health outcomes and may be an acceptable solution for many patients. WFPB dietary modification could be pursued with a motivational interviewing approach that targets patients’ individual goals. Medical providers should address their own assumptions regarding the dietary changes their patients are willing to make.