Handling nutritional advice in general practice in Norway

Abstract

General practitioners (GPs) in Norway are in a unique position to influence their patients' lifestyles during consultations. The specialty of family medicine has been recognized in Norway since 1985. In continuing medical education, nutrition issues are integrated with the discussion of relevant diseases. The first book on health education for Norwegian general practice (1990) contains a set of general dietary guidelines. GPs are informed of the results of the National Health Screening Service, which measures blood pressure and serum lipids and records smoking habits. Serum cholesterol concentrations and coronary artery disease mortality are declining. GPs have been involved in this achievement, although they were found in 1988 to set more conservative cutoffs of serum cholesterol concentrations for dietary advice than an expert committee. GPs have been directly involved in preparing the latest cholesterol guidelines. In 1994 Norwegian GP organizations started a project of quality indicators in general practice (SATS). Of the four conditions that are themes for the first project, treatment of diabetes mellitus has a major nutritional aspect.

What are key factors influencing malnutrition screening in community-dwelling elderly populations by general practitioners? A large cross-sectional survey in two areas of France

“…Concerning malnutrition, GPs are conscious of their central responsibility with regard to this kind of screening. 12,22,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30] The barriers highlighted in our survey are consistent with those shown by other studies in different proportions but, curiously, additional obstacles were revealed. Patient selection (60.4%), forgetting to screen (26.6%), unsuitable working conditions (19.1%), lack of knowledge (19.5%), 24,27,31 lack of time (15%).…”