Interprofessional education (IPE) between Medical and Dietetic students: Prescribing Medical Nutrition Therapy?

Interprofessional education (IPE) is a collaborative learning process between health professionals to improve healthcare outcomes. Limited data exists on IPE specifically between medical students (MS) and dietetic students (DS). Our study evaluated a two hour didactic and experiential Medical Nutritional Therapy (MNT) session for MS, facilitated by dietetics faculty and DS. Methods: Dietetics faculty provided a didactic training on nutritional risk assessment and MNT. Then, DS worked with groups of MS to alter sample meals using MNT guidelines. Psychosocial and economic challenges were addressed. MS completed pre and post-session surveys and DS gave reflective feedback. Results: Significant change in pre to post survey scores occurred for every question (p<0.006). MS reported increased confidence for altering meals for MNT, suggesting healthy food solutions, recognizing nutrition risk, and understanding the role of dietitians. DS felt their role on healthcare teams was recognized. Conclusions: This novel study was the first of its kind to assess an IPE session solely between MS and DS, underscoring the use of food as medicine. MS learned about specific MNTs, making appropriate food alterations, and responding to psychosocial/economic challenges. Future studies should assess longitudinal impact on MS and their incorporation of Registered Dietitians in future practice.