The 5As team patient study: patient perspectives on the role of primary care in obesity management

BMC Family Practice

Research Article

Michelle Borowitz¹  Thea Luig²  Denise L. Campbell-Scherer³  Jacqueline Torti⁴  Arya M. Sharma⁵  Jeffrey A. Johnson⁶ 

[1] Department of Anthropology, University of Alberta, T6G 2H4, Edmonton, AB, Canada;Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Clinical Research Unit, T6G 2E1, Edmonton, AB, Canada;Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Alberta, T6G 2E1, Edmonton, AB, Canada;Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Clinical Research Unit, T6G 2E1, Edmonton, AB, Canada;Department of Medicine, Obesity Research & Management, University of Alberta, Li Ka Shing Building, Rm. 1-116, 87th Avenue and 112th Street, T6G 2E1, Edmonton, AB, Canada;Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Clinical Research Unit, T6G 2E1, Edmonton, AB, Canada;School of Public Health, University of Alberta, T6G 2E3, Edmonton, AB, Canada;Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Alberta, T6G 2E1, Edmonton, AB, Canada;School of Public Health, University of Alberta, T6G 2E3, Edmonton, AB, Canada;

关键词: Obesity;    Primary health care;    Qualitative research;    Family medicine;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12875-017-0596-2

 received in 2016-11-08, accepted in 2017-01-26,  发布年份 2017

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundOver 60% of people have overweight or obesity, but only a third report receiving counselling from primary care providers. We explored patients’ perspectives on the role of primary care in obesity management and their experience with existing resources, with a view to develop an improved understanding of this perspective, and more effective management strategies.MethodsQualitative study employing semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, with a sample of 28 patients from a cohort of 255 patients living with obesity and receiving care to support their weight management in a large Primary Care Network of family practices in Alberta.ResultsFour illustrative themes emerged: (1) the patient-physician relationship plays an important role in the adequacy of obesity management; (2) patients have clear expectations of substantive conversations with their primary care team; (3) complex conditions affect weight and patients require assistance tailored to individual obesity drivers; (4) current services provide support in important ways (accessibility, availability, accountability, affordability, consistency of messaging), but are not yet meeting patient needs for individual plans, advanced education, and follow-up opportunities.ConclusionsPatients have clear expectations that their primary care physician asks them about weight within a supportive therapeutic relationship. They see obesity as a complex phenomenon with multiple drivers. They want their healthcare providers to assess and address their root causes - not simplistic advice to “eat less, move more”. Patients felt that the current services were positive resources, but expressed needs for tailored weight management plans, and longer-term follow-up.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s). 2017