The unresolved role of the neurologist in providing dietary advice to people with multiple sclerosis

Autor: Lucinda J Black, Andrea Begley, Rebecca D Russell
Rok vydání: 2020
Předmět:
Zdroj: Multiple sclerosis and related disorders. 44
ISSN: 2211-0356
Popis: Background People with MS often make dietary changes after diagnosis with the aim of slowing disease progression. Although people with MS commonly use the internet for information on diet and MS, neurologists are their preferred source of information. However, little is known about what dietary advice is provided by neurologists. Objectives To explore the perceptions of neurologists about diet and MS, and to identify the type of dietary advice they provide to their patients with MS. Methods In this exploratory qualitative study, 11 semi-structured interviews were conducted with neurologists in Western Australia. Audio files were transcribed verbatim, and transcripts were thematically analysed using a general inductive approach. Results Four themes emerged: 1) juggling the evidence on the role of diet in MS; 2) acknowledging the risks and benefits of specific diets; 3) distancing from the diet ‘gurus’; and 4) the unresolved role of the neurologist in providing dietary advice. Conclusion Neurologists could meet their patients’ expectations by providing evidence-based dietary advice, such as promoting the benefits of diets that adhere to national dietary guidelines, and being prepared to explain potential risks of restrictive diets. Information about healthy eating needs to be targeted to people with MS.
Databáze: OpenAIRE