Obesity education for front-line healthcare providers

Abstract

BackgroundTo assess the effect of an interprofessional educational activity on professional skills, attitudes, and perceived challenges toward obesity management among front-line healthcare providers.MethodsA one-day interprofessional obesity education activity was organized for healthcare providers across various disciplines. All participants were invited to complete an anonymous survey pre- and post-event, and at six-month post-event. The survey was created based on a comprehensive list of perceived skills, professional attitudes and challenges toward obesity intervention compiled from existing literature.ResultsSixty-seven healthcare providers completed the survey pre- and post-event. Participants reported increases in professional skills such as their ability to assess weight (p = 0.04), to address weight management issues (p < 0.001), to teach/motivate patients toward physical activity (p < 0.001) and healthy eating practices (p = 0.001), to use behavior modification techniques (p < 0.001), and to deal with family issues (p < 0.001). Professional attitudes: practitioners felt more educated/competent in obesity management (P < 0.001), learned where to refer patients (p < 0.001), were more comfortable in discussing obesity in managing obesity (p < 0.001), were less likely to avoid the topic (p = 0.004) and felt less frustrated with the low success rate (p = 0.030). Enhancement in professional attitudes remained 6 months after the event. Improvements were mainly associated with male gender, younger age, fewer years of professional practice and healthcare professionals other than physicians. No statistically significant changes in perceived challenges were found after the educational event.ConclusionResults of this study showed that this interprofessional learning activity contributed to the improvement of professional skills and attitudes of front-line healthcare providers caring for those who are obese or at risk for obesity. The positive results of this interprofessional learning activity aligns with the training needs identified by healthcare practitioners in previous studies, and suggest that this design and content could be used to guide future educational programming in the care of obese people.

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

“…However, the most effective pedagogical approach to deliver this professional development is not clear. Lectures and symposia have been shown to have a positive impact on physician knowledge; however, interactive CPD activities that encourage reflection on practice, provide opportunities to practice skills, involve multiple exposures, and are focused on outcomes appear to be the most effective at improving practice and patient health outcomes [ 42 , 43 ]. Future research should focus on optimizing and evaluating the delivery of CPD activities focused on management of patients with obesity.…”

Obesity Management Education Needs Among General Internists: A Survey

“… 26 Whereas the occasional lecture on specific topics is important in keeping up to date, it does not replace the educational impact a full day educational course can have on the practice of weight management, as well as the confidence in managing patients with obesity. Recently, Sanchez et al 32 organized a 1-day educational course focused on obesity targeting HCP. All course participants were invited to complete an anonymous pre- and post-survey, as well as a 6-month post-event survey.…”

“…Finally, the changes were mostly associated with young male professionals early in their professional practice who were not physicians. 32 …”

“…Finally, the changes were mostly associated with young male professionals early in their professional practice who were not physicians. 32 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities range from 1-h didactic lectures/presentations to highly interactive learning approaches (eg, workshops). The mode can be in person or virtual.…”

Survey of Perceptions and Educational Needs of Primary Care Providers Regarding Management of Patients with Class II and III Obesity in Ontario, Canada

“…However, the most effective pedagogical approach to deliver this professional development is not clear. Lectures and symposia have been shown to have a positive impact on physician knowledge; however, interactive CPD activities that encourage re ection on practice, provide opportunities to practice skills, involve multiple exposures, and are focused on outcomes appear to be the most effective at improving practice and patient health outcomes [42,43]. Future research should focus on optimizing and evaluating the delivery of CPD activities focused on management of patients with obesity.…”