Matthews-D’Avanzo, Andi

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hidden epidemic that is rising to alarming levels worldwide. With no definitive guidelines established for treating this disease, many providers resort to advising their patients to “lose weight” without specific dietary guidance. Providers are lacking the education and tools needed to implement evidence-based treatment that already exists in peer reviewed research. The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is one such evidence-based treatment that can be implemented in a healthcare setting. The goal of this project is to reduce the morbidity associated with NAFLD by giving providers the tools necessary to implement the MedDiet as a specific treatment modality in clinical practice. The project leader evaluated the impact of a MedDiet educational program on providers in their clinical practice and on improving their knowledge, confidence, and ability to manage patients at risk for or diagnosed with NAFLD. The educational program was implemented at a small primary care clinic using a PowerPoint presentation and a brochure on the MedDiet created by the project leader for providers to administer to patients. Results from a questionnaire administered before and after the program revealed providers improved their clinical practice regarding nutritional guidance and providing specific recommendations to their patients on adopting the MedDiet. Furthermore, providers marked increased knowledge, confidence, and ability to manage patients at risk for or diagnosed with NAFLD. The results of this project suggest that providers lack knowledge on the MedDiet and intervening with an educational program increased providers’ ability to implement the MedDiet with their patients.