(P30-032-24) A Study Protocol for an Interprofessional Model of Care to Prevent and Treat Chronic Disease Using a Nutrition Program Based on Whole Food, Plant-Based Eating Pattern

Objectives: Poor dietary patterns are the main risk factor of death in the United States (U.S.) with approximately 50% of Americans having one or more chronic diseases related to unhealthy diet. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in U.S. with obesity leading cardiovascular mortality. Plant-based food consumption has been associated with preventing cardiometabolic diseases and overall mortality. This study proposes to implement a novel program focusing on plan-based nutrition led by an interprofessional group using shared medical appointments (SMAs). The objective is to evaluate the impact of whole food, plant-based (WFPB) program using SMAs on reducing cardiovascular risk factors and weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity and at least one more chronic disease in 6-month period.

Methods: The study will be a single-arm, pre-post-trial. The enrollment will include 45 adults with overweight or obesity, and a diagnosis of one chronic disease, and own a smartphone. Subjects will participate in a 6-month established program focusing on WFPB in an academic care setting and attend SMAs with an interprofessional team weekly for 3 months, followed by a monthly SMA. Participants will receive 14 lessons about plant-based eating pattern and receive support to manage stress, improve quality of sleep, blood pressure, and increase physical activity. A Fitbit tracker and accompanied mobile app to self-monitor food intake, physical activity, and sleep will be used by the participants. Data collected by the Fitbit will be connected to an electronic platform and used to generate personalized messages to the participants. Weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor- alfa, interleukin-6, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 will be measured at baseline, 3-months, and 6-months.

Results: N/A - protocol abstract

Conclusions: This study is expected to provide strong evidence for the benefits of WFPB program using SMAs which are nurse and dietitian led to treat and possibly reverse cardiovascular risk factors. This innovative model can be easily adopted by small or large clinical settings, which is low-cost and financially self-sustained through insurance billed appointments using SMAs.

Funding Sources: Morrison Trust Foundation