Innovation in medical education: a culinary coaching tele-nutrition training program

Medical Education Online, 2018 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10872981.2018.1510704 · Published: August 3, 2018

Patient Experience Education Nutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

Nutrition education that incorporates home cooking is becoming more prevalent, but many programs don't address barriers such as low confidence or lack of time-management skills. The culinary coaching model combines culinary training and health coaching. This study describes a program where health coaches were trained remotely in culinary coaching techniques to help patients improve their home cooking habits. The results showed that the training improved the coaches' attitudes and confidence in delivering culinary coaching, and they reported using these principles in their patient programs.

Study Duration

6 Months

Participants

7 health coaches and 28 patients

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
The culinary coaching (CC) training program significantly improved coaches’ attitudes about delivering CC from pre-program means of 3.61 to post-program means, 3.77 (p<0.01).
2
Coaches’ confidence to deliver CC also improved from pre-program means of 3.65 to post-program means, 3.86 (p<0.05).
3
Health coaches reported a high usage of CC principles and tools through the patient programs.

Research Summary

This short communication describes the first synchronous tele-nutrition medical education training program using a novel Culinary Coaching (CC) model. CC training significantly improved coaches’ attitudes about and confidence to deliver CC. This early evidence suggests that the CC model can be successfully expanded to health coaches, thus improving nutritional care.

Practical Implications

Scalable Training Model

The remote training program offers a scalable solution for training health professionals in culinary coaching.

Improved Clinician Skills

The training improves clinicians' confidence and skills in providing nutrition education focused on home cooking.

Potential for Value-Based Care

The culinary coaching initiative can potentially support clinicians and health coaches in delivering home cooking education, and therefore, providing value-based preventive care.

Study Limitations

1
Individuals without access and/or skills to use internet-enabled devices
2
Further research is required to evaluate the impact of CC on culinary behaviors, health outcomes and healthcare costs
3
This study used a small sample of convenience and larger studies are needed for confirmation

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