Developing an Interprofessional Framework for Culinary Nutrition and Culinary Medicine Competencies: A Consultation with International Experts

Background: Despite global interest in the fast-emerging field of culinary nutrition (CN) and culinary medicine (CM), frameworks and competencies are underdeveloped. Due to the interprofessional nature and diverse research and practice applications, there is a need for a broad consideration of relevant competencies with input from experts across multiple disciplines. Aims: The aims of this study were to explore existing standards from related fields and create a draft framework of competency domains and elements required for CN and CM interprofessional practice and to consult with a panel of international experts in the field as a first step towards achieving consensus. Methods: Nine competency standards relevant to interprofessional CN and CM practice informed the mapping and development of a draft framework. A modified online Nominal Group Technique (NGT) with ten international experts was performed with facilitated discussion around the domains, elements, and guiding statements of the framework. Results: The resulting Interprofessional Framework for Culinary Nutrition and Culinary Medicine Competencies outlines a preliminary framework intended to support future refinement and validation, and acts as a prompt to consider extensive capabilities across an interprofessional team. Conclusions: To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to investigate an interprofessional framework with competency domains and elements for professionals delivering CN and CM. The framework provides an initial expert-informed foundation to support the refinement, external validation, and development of multiple specific competency standards and the evolution of future consensus regarding the delivery of CN and CM, which will be distinct to disciplines, settings, organizations, population groups, and practice areas.