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BMC Primary Care
Published in: BMC Primary Care 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Obesity | Research article

Survey of perceptions and educational needs of primary care providers regarding management of patients with class II and III obesity in Ontario, Canada

Authors: Boris Zevin, Mary Martin, Nancy Dalgarno, Linda Chan, Nardhana Sivapalan, Robyn Houlden, Richard Birtwhistle, Karen Smith, David Barber

Published in: BMC Primary Care | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

Primary care providers (PCPs) are typically the primary contact for patients with obesity seeking medical and surgical weight loss interventions; however, previous studies suggest that fewer than 7% of eligible adult patients are referred to publically funded medical and surgical weight loss interventions (MSWLI).

Methods

We performed an anonymous survey study between October 2017 and June 2018 to explore the knowledge, experiences, perceptions, and educational needs of PCPs in Southeastern Ontario in managing patients with class II and III obesity.

Results

Surveys were distributed to 591 PCPs (n = 538 family physicians; n = 53 nurse practitioners) identified as practicing in the Southeastern Ontario and 92 (15.6%) participated. PCPs serving a rural population estimated that 14.2 ± 10.9% of patients would qualify for MSWLI compared to 9.9 ± 8.5% of patients of PCPs serving an urban population (p = .049). Overall, 57.5% of respondents did not feel competent prescribing MSWLI to patients with class II/III obesity, while 69.8% stated they had ‘good’ knowledge of the referral criteria for MSWLI. 22.2% of respondents were hesitant to refer patients for bariatric surgery (BS) due to concerns about postoperative surgical complications and risks associated with surgery. Only 25% of respondents were comfortable providing long-term follow up after BS, and only 39.1% had participated in continuing education on management of patients with class II/III obesity in the past 5 years.

Conclusion

The majority of PCPs believe there is a need for additional education about MSWLI for patients with class II/III obesity. Future studies are needed to develop and compare the effectiveness of additional education and professional development around risks of contemporary BS, indications to consider referral for MSWLI, management and long-term follow-up of patients after BS.
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Metadata
Title
Survey of perceptions and educational needs of primary care providers regarding management of patients with class II and III obesity in Ontario, Canada
Authors
Boris Zevin
Mary Martin
Nancy Dalgarno
Linda Chan
Nardhana Sivapalan
Robyn Houlden
Richard Birtwhistle
Karen Smith
David Barber
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Primary Care / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 2731-4553
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-020-01356-x

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