This randomized, parallel-group interventional study evaluated the impact of brief targeted training on general practitioners' knowledge and professional practices regarding malnutrition and adapted physical activity (APA). Final-year GP residents and practicing GPs in the Pays de la Loire region were randomly assigned to either a malnutrition training group or an APA training group. Each group served as an active control for the topic not received. Knowledge and self-reported practices were assessed using an online questionnaire before and one month after training.
Participants were recruited in the Pays de la Loire region, France. Recruitment occurred in two phases: invitations to final-year GP residents in November 2024 with a reminder in May 2025, and regional dissemination through the Regional Union of Private Practitioners in April 2025. Inclusion occurred from 13 January to 14 August 2025. Participants were randomized equally to a malnutrition training group or an APA training group. The malnutrition intervention consisted of a 10-minute online training video and a summary leaflet. The APA intervention consisted of a 14-minute online training video and a summary leaflet. The videos were based on relevant guidelines and the leaflets summarized the main messages. Participants completed identical online questionnaires at inclusion and one month after training. The questionnaire assessed practice characteristics, sedentary behavior and APA prescribing, and malnutrition diagnosis and management.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
40
Participants received a 10-minute online training video focused on malnutrition in older adults, followed by a summary leaflet. The training covered definition, diagnostic criteria, causes, consequences, and management in primary care, with emphasis on dietary counseling and dietary enrichment. Content was based on local and international guidelines and validated by experts.
Participants received a 14-minute online training video focused on adapted physical activity, followed by a summary leaflet. The training reviewed frailty, physical activity recommendations, and practical guidance for prescribing APA, with emphasis on available online tools and local resources. Content was based on local and WHO guidelines and validated by experts.
CHU Nantes
Nantes, CHU de Nantes, France
Change in the number of adapted physical activity prescriptions.
Change in the self-reported number of APA prescriptions during the previous month, assessed by online questionnaire.
Time frame: One Month after Training
Change in malnutrition management, dietary enrichment prescriptions.
Change in the proportion of physicians reporting dietary enrichment as a malnutrition management practice.
Time frame: One Month after Training
Change in malnutrition management, oral nutritional supplement prescriptions.
Change in the proportion of physicians reporting oral nutritional supplement (ONS) prescriptions as a malnutrition management practice.
Time frame: One Month after Training
Change in the number of consultations addressing APA during the previous month
Time frame: One Month after Training
Change in the percentage of participants acquainted with local facilities/resources providing APA.
Time frame: One Month after Training
Change in the number of consultations with weight analysis
Time frame: One Month after Training
Change in the number of consultations with albumin dosage
Time frame: One Month after Training
Change in the percentage of referral to a nutritionist/dietitian after diagnosis of malnutrition
Time frame: One Month after Training3
Change in the percentage of referral to a dentist after diagnosis of malnutrition
Time frame: One Month after Training
Change in the percentage of texture modification or fractionation prescription after diagnosis of malnutrition
Time frame: One Month after Training
Change in the percentage of participants reporting "lack of knowledge" as a barrier to APA prescription
Time frame: One Month after Training
Change in the percentage of participants reporting "lack of time" as a barrier to APA prescription
Time frame: One Month after Training
Change in the percentage of participants reporting "lack of facilities" as a barrier to APA prescription
Time frame: One Month after Training
Change in the percentage of participants reporting "financial difficulties" as a barrier to APA prescription
Time frame: One Month after Training
Change in the percentage of participants reporting "patient refusal" as a barrier to APA prescription
Time frame: One Month after Training
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