Education on Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Improve Clinician Knowledge of Diet and Depression

Abstract

Purpose: Improve team members' knowledge of omega-3 fatty acids at New Path Mental Health and Wellness and increase their motivation to consider omega-3 supplementation for psychiatric patients with depression or depressive symptoms. Background: Dietary patterns in Western societies have witnessed changes in omega-6/omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) food supply, contributing to inflammatory diseases such as depressive disorders. Research investigating the association between omega-3 PUFAs and depression suggests that omega-3 intake may play a preventative role in depression and serve as an adjunct to treatment. Methods: A voluntary twenty-minute educational PowerPoint was offered to the interprofessional team at New Path Mental Health and Wellness during a routine monthly staff meeting. After the presentation, a post-assessment handout was distributed to determine participants’ knowledge of omega-3 PUFAs and willingness to implement omega-3s in practice. Results: The educational PowerPoint intervention advanced each team member’s understanding of the role of diet and omega-3 PUFAs in depression. Each participant reported enhanced knowledge and agreed to consider implementing omega-3 PUFAs into practice. Conclusions: This quality improvement project increased provider knowledge of omega-3s and their likelihood of implementing omega-3 supplementation in practice. New Path team members recognize the barriers to adequate nutritional intake and believe that education and supplementation are feasible to prevent and treat depressive symptomology.