A Pre-Hospital Patient Education Program Improves Outcomes of Bariatric Surgery

The Role of Preoperative Weight Loss Interventions on Long-Term Bariatric Surgery Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Background/Objectives: The percentage of the world's population with Class II obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35) and above is increasing annually. Bariatric (elective weight-loss) surgery is performed for less than one percent of eligible patients. A recent Delphi was unable to reach a consensus recommendation for or against mandated weight loss targets prior to bariatric surgery. This systematic review, performed according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, looks at the literature to determine whether there is evidence that pre-operative weight loss affects long-term (≥5 years) outcomes of bariatric surgery (weight loss, co-morbidity resolution). Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CABI Digital Library, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central) were searched from 1 January 2000 to 1 March 2025. Twenty-one full papers were then assessed, and only three papers met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this review. Results: 1072 patients were included (age range 26-73 years, sleeve: bypass 60.3%:49.7%, F:M 70.2%:29.8%). The studies differed in their pre-operative preparation and selection criteria for surgery: one paper used an intensive pre-operative information course and mandated 5% weight loss. This study reported a significant association between pre-operative weight loss and long-term outcomes. Two papers had no mandated pre-operative weight-loss target and found there was no association between pre-operative weight loss and long-term outcomes. Conclusions: There is limited and conflicting evidence that pre-operative weight loss percentage affects long-term outcomes of bariatric surgery. Further research looking at five-, ten-, and twenty-year outcomes for bariatric patients is required, particularly randomised controlled trials or tier one evidence.

The length of hospital stay following bariatric surgery in Australia: the impact of patient, procedure, system and surgeon

BACKGROUND

The length of a patient's stay (LOS) in a hospital is one metric used to compare the quality of care, as a longer LOS may flag higher complication rates or less efficient processes. A meaningful comparison of LOS can only occur if the expected average length of stay (ALOS) is defined first. This study aimed to define the expected ALOS of primary and conversion bariatric surgery in Australia and to quantify the effect of patient, procedure, system, and surgeon factors on ALOS.

METHODS

This was a retrospective observational study of prospectively maintained data from the Bariatric Surgery Registry of 63 604 bariatric procedures performed in Australia. The primary outcome measure was the expected ALOS for primary and conversion bariatric procedures. The secondary outcome measures quantified the change in ALOS for bariatric surgery resulting from patient, procedure, hospital, and surgeon factors.

RESULTS

Uncomplicated primary bariatric surgery had an ALOS (SD) of 2.30 (1.31) days, whereas conversion procedures had an ALOS (SD) of 2.71 (2.75) days yielding a mean difference (SEM) in ALOS of 0.41 (0.05) days, P < 0.001. The occurrence of any defined adverse event extended the ALOS of primary and conversion procedures by 1.14 days (CI 95% 1.04-1.25), P < 0.001 and 2.33 days (CI 95% 1.54-3.11), P < 0.001, respectively. Older age, diabetes, rural home address, surgeon operating volume and hospital case volume increased the ALOS following bariatric surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings have defined Australia's expected ALOS following bariatric surgery. Increased patient age, diabetes, rural living, procedural complications and surgeon and hospital case volume exerted a small but significant increase in ALOS.

STUDY TYPE

Retrospective observational study of prospectively collected data.

Nurse-led intervention for the management of bariatric surgery patients: A systematic review

The prevalence of obesity has become a global health concern, and severe obesity is associated with various chronic diseases and decreased quality of life. Bariatric surgery has shown success in treating obesity. Nevertheless, some patients experience weight regain and unsatisfactory outcomes. Multidisciplinary interventions have been shown to improve postoperative outcomes. Case managers, often specialized nurses, play a crucial role in patient support and coordination of care. However, the diverse design of case-managing interventions hinders the assessment of their success. Thus, the aim of this review is to identify the most successful structural characteristics of case-managing interventions, with or without the support of e-Health, in the process of perioperative management of bariatric surgery patients. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, MEDLINE, EBSCOhost, and CINAHL databases were searched for relevant studies published in the last 10 years. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical studies, case studies, or observational studies that evaluated perioperative care in bariatric surgery. The PICO framework was used to frame the search strategy. The initial search yielded 225 articles, of which 10 studies met the inclusion criteria. Nurse-led case-managing interventions with a multidisciplinary approach showed positive results in weight loss, physical activity, and quality of life. Patient-centered care models were found to promote adherence to treatment and patient satisfaction. E-Health technologies improved quality of life but not weight loss. The duration of behavioral interventions and the long-term outcomes after surgery remained unclear. Nurse-led case-management interventions, with a focus on behavioral change and multidisciplinary approaches, show promise in improving outcomes in bariatric surgery patients. Patient-centered care models and longer term interventions may contribute to sustained weight loss and better postoperative outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the optimal duration of interventions and the long-term effects on weight maintenance.

Role of the exercise professional in metabolic and bariatric surgery

Background

Physical activity (PA) is important for the long-term health and weight management of patients who undergo metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). However, the roles of exercise professionals in MBS settings have not been systematically determined.

Objectives

To investigate: (1) who are the professionals implementing PA programming in MBS clinical settings; and (2) what patient-centric tasks do they perform?

Setting

Clinical and academic exercise settings worldwide.

Methods

This multimethod study included a scoping review of PA programs in MBS described in the research literature. Data about job tasks were extracted and provided to 10 experts to sort into categories. Cluster analysis was utilized to find the hierarchical structure of tasks. A Delphi process was used to agree on a final model.

Results

The majority of PA professionals were exercise physiologists in the USA and physiotherapists or other types of exercise professionals elsewhere. Forty-three tasks were identified, the most reported being: supervision of exercise, fitness testing, and exercise prescription. Seven higher-order categories were determined: (1) Exercise-related health assessment, (2) Body composition and physical fitness assessment, (3) Lifestyle physical activity and sedentary behavior assessment, (4) Education, instruction, and prescription, (5) Exercise monitoring, (6) Behavioral counseling and psychosocial support, and (7) Dietary support. The following statements were rated an average of 9.0, classifying them as "imperative": 1) "Pre- and post-operative PA/exercise guidelines for MBS patients are needed", 2) "MBS programs need to include PA/exercise as part of multidisciplinary care".

Conclusions

The expert group reached a consensus on 7 major classifications of job tasks for the exercise professional. It is important for governing medical associations across the world to formally recognize experienced exercise professionals as playing pivotal roles in continuing, multidisciplinary care for MBS patients. These findings also provide evidence-based information in the effort to solidify these positions within the greater context of healthcare.

Bariatric Surgery Efficiency, Safety and Health Outcomes in Government Versus Privately Funded Hospitals

PURPOSE

This study aims to determine if the hospital efficiency, safety and health outcomes are equal in patients who receive bariatric surgery in government-funded hospitals (GFH) versus privately funded hospitals (PFH).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective observational study of prospectively maintained data from the Australia and New Zealand Bariatric Surgery Registry of 14,862 procedures (2134 GFH and 12,728 PFH) from 33 hospitals (8 GFH and 25 PFH) performed in Victoria, Australia, between January 1st, 2015, and December 31st, 2020. Outcome measures included the difference in efficacy (weight loss, diabetes remission), safety (defined adverse event and complications) and efficiency (hospital length of stay) between the two health systems.

RESULTS

GFH treated a higher risk patient group who were older by a mean (SD) 2.4 years (0.27), P < 0.001; had a mean 9.0 kg (0.6) greater weight at time of surgery, P < 0.001; and a higher prevalence of diabetes at day of surgery OR = 2.57 (CI_95%2.29-2.89), P < 0.001. Despite these baseline differences, both GFH and PFH yielded near identical remission of diabetes which was stable up to 4 years post-operatively (57%). There was no statistically significant difference in defined adverse events between the GFH and PFH (OR = 1.24 (CI_95% 0.93-1.67), P = 0.14). Both healthcare settings demonstrated that similar covariates affect length of stay (LOS) (diabetes, conversion bariatric procedures and defined adverse event); however, these covariates had a greater effect on LOS in GFH compared to PFH.

CONCLUSIONS

Bariatric surgery performed in GFH and PFH yields comparable health outcomes (metabolic and weight loss) and safety. There was a small but statistically significant increased LOS following bariatric surgery in GFH.

Impact of Preoperative Patient Education on Postoperative Recovery in Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Patient education is recommended as an essential component of Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) protocols. However, there are many uncertainties regarding content and methodological criteria, which may have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the intervention. The aim of this review is to assess the effect of preoperative patient education on postoperative recovery in abdominal surgery and to examine different patient education strategies for their effectiveness.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane were searched from 2011 to 2022. All studies investigating the effect of preoperative patient education on postoperative recovery in abdominal surgery were included. A critical quality assessment of all included studies was performed.

RESULTS

We identified 826 potentially suitable articles via a database search and included 12 studies in this review. The majority of the included studies reported a reduction in the length of hospital stay (LOS) and even a reduction in postoperative complications and adverse events. Patients with preoperative education seemed to have lower psychological stress and experience less anxiety. However, the contents, delivery, and general conditions were implemented differently, making comparison difficult. Moreover, the majority of the included studies were weak in quality.

CONCLUSION

With this review, we report potential effects, current implementations, and frameworks of patient education. However, the results must be interpreted with caution and are not directly transferable to clinical practice. Further studies in this field are necessary to make concrete recommendations for clinical practice.

Bariatric surgery in a public hospital: a 10-year experience

Introduction

Obesity is common and adversely impacts quality‐of‐life and healthcare cost. In Australia, less than 10% of bariatric surgeries are performed in the public sector. This study reports our 10‐year experience from a high volume public bariatric service which delivers multi‐disciplinary care for primary and revisional procedures with mid‐ to long‐term follow‐up.

Methods

A prospectively maintained database of all patients who underwent bariatric surgery from January 2010 to January 2020 at a tertiary metropolitan hospital was analysed. We analysed patient demographics, comorbidities, perioperative outcomes, 2‐ and 5‐year weight loss as well as comorbidities reduction.

Results

A total of 995 patients underwent 1086 (674 primary and 412 revisional) bariatric procedures with mean age of 46.9 years, mean BMI of 49.6 ± 9.1 kg/m² and 92% patients with ≥1 obesity‐related co‐morbidity. Length‐of‐stay was longer for revisional than primary surgery (5.6 vs. 3.5 days). Major complication rate was 4.2%. Overall, % Total body weight loss (%TBWL) for primary surgeries at 2 years was 26.2%, and for revision surgery was 17.4%. At 2 years follow‐up, treatment was ceased or reduced in 65% of diabetics, 29% of hypertensive patients and 69% of sleep apnoea patients.

Conclusion

This study confirms that bariatric surgery in Australia can be delivered effectively in resource constrained public health system with outcomes similar to private sector.

Are eHealth interventions for adults who are scheduled for or have undergone bariatric surgery as effective as usual care? A systematic review

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effect of eHealth-delivered interventions for adults who undergo bariatric surgery on postoperative weight loss, weight loss maintenance, eating psychopathology, quality of life, depression screening, and self-efficacy. Six electronic databases were searched, with 14 studies (across 17 reports) included, involving 1633 participants. With substantial heterogeneity, qualitative descriptions have been provided. Interventions were delivered via an online program or internet modules (n = 2), telephone (n = 2), text messages (n = 2), videoconferencing (n = 3), mobile application (n = 1), and audiovisual media (n = 1). Three studies included a combination, including internet modules and telephone (n = 1), wireless fidelity scales, emails, and telephone (n = 1), and a combination of online treatment, weekly emails, and access to a private Facebook group (n = 1). All the eHealth interventions, except for one, implemented behavior change techniques, including self-monitoring, problem solving, social support, goal setting, and shaping knowledge. Both eHealth intervention and control groups lost weight across the included studies, and eHealth was found to be as effective as or more effective than the control for weight loss. Two studies measured weight loss maintenance; both eHealth and control groups regained weight in the longer term. The interventions showed significant improvement on assessment measures for eating psychopathology. In conclusion, when bariatric surgery patients have limited or no access to healthcare teams or require additional support, eHealth may be a suitable option. Future studies implementing eHealth interventions would benefit from reporting intervention components as per the behavior change techniques taxonomy and further consideration of delivering eHealth in a stepped care approach would be beneficial.

Potential positive effects of bariatric surgery on healthcare resource utilisation

BACKGROUND

To determine whether a bariatric surgical procedure is associated with a reduction in healthcare utilisation among patients with obesity and high pre-procedural healthcare needs.

METHODS

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary Victorian public hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-nine adults who underwent publicly funded primary bariatric surgery between 2008 and 2018 at the Alfred Hospital, Melbourne and had high resource use over the year prior to surgery, defined as at least two of ≥3 hospital admissions, ≥7 inpatient bed days for obesity-related co-morbidities or inpatient hospital costs ≥$10 000.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Change in inpatient and outpatient resource use.

RESULTS

After 1 year following bariatric surgery, total hospital bed days decreased from 663 to 80 and the median (Q1, Q3) per patient decreased from 7 (4.5, 15) to 5 (2.25, 9.75) (p = 0.001) and the total number of hospital admissions fell from 118 to 67 (p < 0.001). The median cost of inpatient care decreased from $11 405 ($4408, $22251) to $3974 ($0, $4325) per annum (p < 0.001). The total and median number of outpatient attendances did not significantly change 12 months after bariatric surgery, but the demand for outpatient services unrelated to bariatric surgery declined by a median of four visits per patient (p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence from this small pilot study suggests that Bariatric surgery has the potential to decrease resource use and inpatient hospital costs over a 1-year time frame for obese patients with high resource use. These data will be used to design a prospective randomised controlled trial to provide more definitive information on this important issue.

Postoperative outcomes based on patient participation in a presurgery education and weight management program

BACKGROUND

The benefits of presurgery weight management programs (WMPs) for bariatric patients are mixed; some show a positive impact on percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 12 months postsurgery, while others show no effect.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to compare pre- and postoperative 6- and 12-month outcomes between patients who attended a 12-week presurgery WMP and patients who did not participate.

SETTING

Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, University Hospital, United States.

METHODS

A retrospective medical record analysis was conducted to compare preoperative and 6- and 12-month postoperative outcomes for patients who attend the presurgery WMP (n = 56) and patients who did not (n = 441) within a 2-year time period (N = 497). Descriptive statistics and independent t tests were conducted to determine mean differences between groups, while controlling for surgery type, for weight status outcomes (%EWL, change in body mass index) preoperatively and 6 and 12 months postsurgery, and length of stay and readmission rate.

RESULTS

Patients who attended the preoperative WMP had significantly higher %EWL at 12 months postsurgery compared with patients who did not attend the WMP. Additional findings indicated a positive, but nonsignificant effect, from the WMP on presurgery body mass index, and postsurgery %EWL at 6 months and body mass index change at 6 and 12 months postsurgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients attending the WMP had better 12-month %EWL and outcomes compared with those who did not attend the WMP, though this was not true for 6-month outcomes and differed based on surgery type.

Evaluation of a Patient-Care Planning Intervention to Improve Appointment Attendance by Adults After Bariatric Surgery

OBJECTIVES

Bariatric surgery is recognized as a durable treatment for severe obesity; however, high rates of nonattendance and patient engagement during the postoperative period remain challenges. This pre/post study evaluates a quality-improvement initiative to improve attendance at bariatric surgery program appointments and to heighten program efficiency, as measured by appointment attendance, cancellations and new assessments.

METHODS

Patients and staff were consulted in order to identify causes for patient attrition after surgery. The ideas for change that were implemented were advance care-planning calls and e-mails in order to tailor appointments to patients' needs and an online application of follow-up care information. Online surveys were used to assess patient satisfaction. After several plan-do-study-act cycles, appointment attendance rates for 5,676 appointments between April 1, 2014, and May 29, 2015, were compared pre- and post-quality improvement intervention. For the intervention, 1,294 patients were called, representing 4,124 appointments. Both preoperative and postoperative attendance rates and costs were examined.

RESULTS

Although postoperative attendance and no-show rates changed by only 1.8% postintervention, advance cancellations increased by 6%; indications of special-cause variation were attributable to the intervention. With advance cancellations increasing, time was available for preoperative and nonroutine postoperative appointments, refilling 6.6 appointments per week. As a result, cost savings were $21,251 based on unused clinician time. The contact rate of patients was 45%, and patient satisfaction was high.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, this quality-improvement intervention was able to improve patient-centred care and clinic efficiency through the use of advance-care planning as evaluated by appointment attendance data and patient satisfaction surveys.

Involving Medical Students in Providing Patient Education for Real Patients: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Studies suggest that involving students in patient education can contribute to the quality of care and medical education. Interventions and outcomes in this field, however, have not yet been systematically reviewed. The authors examined the scientific literature for studies on interventions and outcomes of student-provided patient education.

METHODS

Four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, ERIC, PsycINFO) were searched for studies reporting patient education, undergraduate medical students, and outcomes of patient education, published between January 1990 and October 2015. Facilitators of and barriers to educational interventions were assessed using the Learning Transfer System Inventory. The learning yield, impact on quality of care, and practical feasibility of the interventions were rated by patients, care professionals, researchers, and education professionals.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 4991 hits. Eighteen studies were included in the final synthesis. Studies suggested that student-provided patient education improved patients' health knowledge, attitude, and behavior (nine studies), disease management (three studies), medication adherence (one study), and shared decision-making (one study). In addition, involving students in patient education was reported to enhance students' patient education self-efficacy (four studies), skills (two studies), and behavior (one study), their relationships with patients (two studies), and communication skills (two studies).

DISCUSSION

Our findings suggest that student-provided patient education-specifically, student-run patient education clinics, student-provided outreach programs, student health coaching, and clerkships on patient education-has the potential to improve quality of care and medical education. To enhance the learning effectiveness and quality of student-provided patient education, factors including professional roles for students, training preparation, constructive supervision, peer support on organizational and individual levels, and learning aids should be taken into account. Future research should focus on further investigating the effects found in this study with high-level evidence.

The support needs of patients waiting for publicly funded bariatric surgery - implications for health service planners

The objective of this study was to investigate the experience of waiting for publicly funded bariatric surgery in an Australian tertiary healthcare setting. Focus groups and individual interviews involving people waiting for or who had undergone publicly funded bariatric surgery were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. A total of 11 women and 6 men engaged in one of six focus groups in 2014, and an additional 10 women and 9 men were interviewed in 2015. Mean age was 53 years (range 23-66); mean waiting time was 6 years (range 0-12), and mean time since surgery was 4 years (range 0-11). Waiting was commonly reported as emotionally challenging (e.g. frustrating, depressing, stressful) and often associated with weight gain (despite weight-loss attempts) and deteriorating physical health (e.g. development of new or worsening obesity-related comorbidity or decline in mobility) or psychological health (e.g. development of or worsening depression). Peer support, health and mental health counselling, integrated care and better communication about waitlist position and management (e.g. patient prioritization) were identified support needs. Even if wait times cannot be reduced, better peer and health professional supports, together with better communication from health departments, may improve the experience or outcomes of waiting and confer quality-of-life gains irrespective of weight loss.

The knowledge of Polish primary care physicians about bariatric surgery

Introduction

The general practitioner (GP) can play a key role in this multi-disciplinary team, coordinating care provided by dietitians and surgeons, maximizing the potential benefits of surgery. Therefore, it seems important to verify changes in GPs’ knowledge about surgical treatment of obesity.

Aim

To reassess knowledge of obesity surgical treatment among Polish primary care physicians and their willingness to improve it in the future.

Material and methods

To assess the knowledge of Polish primary care physicians about surgical treatment of obesity, a prospective study, which included an anonymous online questionnaire, was conducted in the years 2015–2016.

Results

Two hundred and six physicians answered the invitation. One hundred and sixty-six (81.8%) respondents were familiar with the indications for bariatric operation. The great majority of respondents, 198 (96.6%), were aware that bariatric surgery is efficient in the treatment of the metabolic syndrome. The study revealed a disproportion between the number of patients who would be potential candidates for bariatric treatment, who are currently under care of participating physicians, and the number of patients who are referred to a bariatric surgeon.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that nowadays bariatric surgery is a recognized method of treatment, but physicians remain reluctant to refer their patients for surgical treatment of obesity. It was found that there is a large disproportion between the number of patients who are referred to a bariatric surgeon and the number of patients who require this treatment. It may be a result of lack of knowledge in the field of bariatric surgery.