Explaining the reasons for supplement usage in primary care offices

The study identifies how patients are first introduced to nutritional supplements, the utilization of nutritional supplementation after initial introduction, and the role primary care providers have in introducing and prescribing nutritional supplements to patients. The relationship regarding inclusion of nutritional supplements into a conversation between patient and provider is inconsistent and lacks congruency. The complexity regarding the dynamics of the dialogue must be considered in the patient-provider encounter. The varying worldview and perspectives are not unified and may contribute to the incomprehension. A sequential mixed method approach to conduct the research is proposed. The presentation is important to the field to educate both primary care providers and patients on the potential benefits of supplements that might not be common practice in the delivery and treatment protocol for some providers. If researchers can determine optimal mechanisms for communicating supplementation as an option to achieve higher levels of health, a better informed, comprehensive process can occur. The literature provides evidence on the use of supplements by consumers, but does not clearly identify how they are introduced to benefits and risks of usage. If the health care community can better understand how patients or consumers are first introduced to nutritional supplements, this information can help inform the discussion relative to potential utilization to enhance health and wellness benefits. Increased communication levels (among both consumers and providers) and social awareness could play a significant role in how decisions and choices are made. Research leading to a more informed consumer, provider, and industry, may require a systemic approach that also has implications for governmental regulation.