Patients’ Perceptions, Experiences, and Feedback on a Pilot Plant-Based Dietary Intervention: A Qualitative Survey

Abstract

Objectives: Providing patient-centered care for those undergoing a dietary intervention is critical in improving outcomes. Our objectives were to understand the perception, experiences, and post-intervention plans of those who completed our pilot intervention trial of a whole food, plant-based diet (WFPBD) in patients (pts) with precursor plasma cell disorders and an elevated body mass index. Methods: A voluntary 16-question feedback survey was developed by the research team and sent to patients who completed the 12-week intervention through REDcap from September to December 2023. The survey contained questions about their self-reported diet quality (2), intervention perception (3), intervention satisfaction (4), self-rated health and quality of life (2), post-intervention diet plans (3), and open-ended feedback (2). Summary statistics were used to evaluate responses. Results: The survey was sent to 17 patients who completed the intervention and were alive at the time of survey, and 15 responses were received. All 15 pts (100%) believed their dietary habits improved during the intervention, the intervention was easy to follow, and were very satisfied with the counseling provided by the registered dietitian. Almost all pts (94%) were satisfied with aspects of the diet including meals, satiety, and guidance of making plant-based meals, and reported that they planned to continue following a WFPBD for the rest of their life. Only 1 of 15 (7%) respondents did not plan on continuing the diet post-intervention. When asked about self-reported symptom improvement, 14 pts (94%) had improvement in one or more symptoms including high body weight, mental health/body image, diabetes, high cholesterol, constipation, sleep issues, GI issues, diarrhea, hypertension, and arthritis/joint pain. Of 12 pts using prescription medications, 4 pts (33%) reported they were able to stop medications, saving an average of $62.50 per month (range $20-100). Conclusions: Patients reported overall positive experiences with the pilot intervention. These survey findings support that a WFPBD intervention is acceptable and can inform the design of future dietary interventions seeking to provide patient-centered care. Funding Sources: NIH/NCI Cancer Center Support Grant, the Paul Calabresi K12 Award, the Allen Foundation Inc, and the Paula and Rodger Riney Foundation.