The professional practice of the primary health care specialist and his role in nutrition education

Abstract

Introduction: the primary health care system in Cuba is based on a preventive and community approach. It is based on well-established guidelines and principles with emphasize on the importance of nutrition education at all stages of life, from childhood to adulthood. Objective: to analyze the primary care specialist's professional mode of action and their role in nutritional education. Method: the literature review was carried out using a hermeneutical approach that followed the stipulated cycle and was aimed at collecting and analyzing sources of particular relevance. The methodology was developed in several stages and facilitated the analysis and interpretation of the data to construct the fundamental themes. Results: the results highlight that the primary care specialist plays a fundamental role in nutritional education. His professional conduct is based on ethical principles, including responsibility, respect, confidentiality, integrity, and honesty. In addition, they assume the role of educators and health promoters, acting as facilitators of change. Its primary goal is to empower patients, their families, and communities to make informed decisions that promote positive changes in their eating habits and lifestyles. Conclusions: the nutritional education these specialists provide enables any person to make correct decisions regarding their diet and lifestyle, positively impacting their health and well-being. It is essential to strengthen the education and training of primary care specialists in nutrition to guarantee comprehensive and effective care.

Keywords

• primary health care
• medical education
• nutritional education
• primary care
• public health