Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2017

Keywords

social support, health care, education, chronic illness

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2017.1412004

Abstract

Background: Systematic reviews show that a plant-based diet offers many benefits to patients with a variety of chronic illnesses. However, more research is needed to show how plant-based diets are successfully prescribed by physicians and what supports are essential for adherence. The primary research questions in this study were: Is therapeutic alliance correlated with adherence to the eating plan?; Does a change in therapeutic alliance result in a change in adherence?; and How do patients view the doctor-patient relationship and adherence? Methods: This multiple methods feasibility study combined cross-sectional pre-post and six-month follow-up survey, a focus group and case study methodology. Results: Patients rated their relationship with their PCP as high, and most patients (78.3%) strictly adhered to the eating plan. Strictness in following the plan was positively correlated with therapeutic alliance (r = 0.346, p = 0.025). Both the PCP and the support group members attributed the doctor-patient relationship as central to the change process. Patients also emphasized their ownership of the plan, a supportive community environment and a positive change in health as motivation for adherence. Conclusion: Adherence rates, ameliorated by the doctor-patient relationship, indicated that the diet is a feasible option for the treatment of chronic disease.

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Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Cogent Social Sciences, v. 3, issue 1, art. 1412004

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