How might enhanced interprofessional collaboration between primary care physicians and registered dietitian nutritionists impact clinical outcomes related to obesity and associated illnesses? A commentary.

Abstract

The unsettling worldwide prevalence of obesity and obesity-related illnesses seems to be well-understood. What seems to be lacking, however, is a strategy of how best to fix the issue. Meagre nutrition content in medical school curricula may contribute to limited primary care physician (PCP) knowledge of the role nutrition has in health ailments and the understanding of a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) scope of practice. In USA, RDN are health care practitioners specialised in nutrition and who are experts in treating obesity and obesity-related illnesses. An increased RDN involvement in patient care has been shown to promote improvements in nutrition-related clinical outcomes. Therefore, enhanced collaboration between PCP and RDN has the potential to ameliorate the obesity epidemic. Tactics to promote collaboration may include enhancing nutrition education in medical school and providing nutrition-focussed continuing education for practicing physicians. The seriousness of the obesity epidemic underscores the need for interprofessional collaboration between PCP and allied health professionals who are uniquely trained to address obesity and obesity-related illnesses.