Building a Patient-Centered Weight Management Program: A Mixed Methods Project to Obtain Patients’ Information Needs and Ideas for Program Structure

Abstract

Achieving and maintaining weight loss for large segments of the population remains elusive, despite evidence demonstrating the value of many weight management programs. This study aimed to gather patients’ perceptions on weight management education needs, and ideas for the structure of a weight management program to be delivered in community pharmacies. This was an exploratory mixed methods study combining qualitative focus group interviews with a cross-sectional survey. Three focus group interviews were conducted, along with a brief survey based on focus groups findings and sent to all eligible participants. The survey allowed for individual responses on the program components and narrowing down of focus group findings. Nearly half of the respondents (45.9%) wanted further education on limiting carbohydrate and sugar intake. Participants were most interested in identifying different exercises appropriate for those with physical limitations (48.6%). Most participants preferred 1 h meetings (70.3%) that contain a mix of one-on-one and group meeting formats (67.6%). The results of the study suggest a three-month weight management program, with a combination of group and individual in-person meetings occurring twice per month, would be of most interest to patients.

North American Weight Management Programs for People Living With Chronic Kidney Disease: An Environmental Scan

“…Programs that ensure their content includes education on health literacy and food awareness as well as address issues around unique dietary needs can provide significant benefits to the health outcomes of the CKD population. Programs that also consider the needs and preferences of their clients through consistent guidance, support, and convenience as well as easy-to-follow regimens and accessibility are strategies that have shown to achieve better success 22 and have been identified as key facilitators. Group interventions were identified as the preferred format due to the accountability and learning opportunities aspect.…”