Evaluating the Influence of Videos on Medical Professionals’ Perception of Using Herbs and Spices for Healthy Cooking and Potential Application in Patient Care

Gail C. D’Souza, Morgan Voul, Alison Johnston, Olivia Lawler, Michael Flanagan, Penny M. Kris-Etherton, Kristen Grine, Travis D. Masterson

Objective
To assess medical students and primary care providers’ interest, knowledge, confidence, and intent to incorporate herbs and spices in cooking using nutrition education videos and evaluate their perception about using the videos for patient care.

Methods
Before the intervention, participants were surveyed on their interest, knowledge, and confidence in using herbs and spices in cooking. Participants then viewed the nutrition education videos. After, participants were surveyed on the same measures as the initial survey, their perceptions of the videos and their usability with patients in clinical settings.

Results
All participants reported an increase in interest, knowledge, confidence, and intent variables after watching the videos (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Overall, the videos were rated highly and usable within a clinical setting. They also facilitated nutritional education among medical professionals and their patients. Future research should determine the feasibility of implementing similar materials in clinics.

Reference
D’Souza, GC, Voul, M, Johnston, A, Lawler, O, Flanagan, M, Kris-Etherton, PM, Grine, K, Masterson, TD. Evaluating the Influence of Videos on Medical Professionals’ Perception of Using Herbs and Spices for Healthy Cooking and Potential Application in Patient Care. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior, in press, 2025.