Do Internists, Pediatricians, and Psychiatrists Feel Competent in Obesity Care?

Abstract

This survey demonstrated a critical need for training in specific areas of obesity care. The proposed curriculum targets these areas taking into consideration observed differences across specialties.

From the Patient’s Perspective: The Impact of Training on Resident Physician’s Obesity Counseling

“…Skills such as behavioral assessment, goal setting, and motivational interviewing were stressed 19 . Participation was monitored using attendance forms.…”

“…We have used similar items in observed structured clinical exams (OSCEs) to evaluate physician performance and have found the assessment to have adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha >0.75). Based on these OSCEs and a needs assessment of faculty and residents 19 , we identified 11 items reflecting more advanced skills (Table 1). We also measured theory-based patient, provider, and visit characteristics based on our conceptual model.…”

“…Lack of training and competency in obesity management are among the reasons that physicians do not adequately counsel patients. 8,[17][18][19] The 5As counseling framework is an evidence-based way to teach physicians to counsel obese patients 19,20 and measure the quality of obesity counseling. 21 This framework guides providers to assess risk, current behavior, and readiness to change, advise change of specific behaviors, agree and collaboratively set goals, assist in addressing barriers and securing support, and arrange for follow-up.…”

Navigating the JGIM Special Issue on Medical Education

“…Needs assessments in this issue include clinical topics of obesity 22 and tobacco dependence, 23 and curriculum design issues such as ward attending rounds, 24 quality of care in ambulatory clinics, 8,9 student career choice, 25,26 resident well-being, 11 and residency training organization. 12,13,27 …”

Development and Implementation of a New OSCE for Assessing Resident Competency in Weight Loss Counseling

“…Furthermore, the rates of weight related counseling have declined in recent years (Kraschnewski et al 2013). Lack of skills and insufficient training are commonly cited barriers to delivering weight loss counseling (Huang et al 2004, Jay et al 2008, Hebert et al 2012, Kushner 1995.…”