Five A's counseling in weight management of obese patients in primary care: a cluster-randomized controlled trial (INTERACT)

Stigma, Bias, and the Shortfalls of Body Mass Index: A Reflection on the State of Weight Management

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial chronic disease. With the development of novel endoscopic techniques and devices for the treatment of obesity, combined with expanding indications for medications, gastroenterologists are more involved in weight management than ever before. Despite the modern definition of obesity as a disease, weight bias and stigma are pervasive in the medical community and beyond. These sentiments contribute to worse outcomes for patients. Furthermore, body mass index (BMI), which is the primary metric to define obesity, does not always approximate visceral adiposity in all populations. A weight-centric model of health, which relies on BMI, misclassifies individuals who may be metabolically healthy at elevated weights. This review will summarize the history of BMI, highlight the problems that arise with a weight-centric model of health, and propose alternative weight-inclusive frameworks for assessment and intervention.

Tips and tricks in gynaecological robotic surgery

It was the dawn of a new era for robotic surgery when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved da Vinci robotic surgical system for general laparoscopic procedures in 2000. The surgical practice saw a transformative breakthrough towards minimally invasive approach with the ever-increasing uptake of advanced robots proven to benefit patients and surgeons in various ways. However, these innovative machines only complement and enhance a surgeon's operating skills, and with such privilege come responsibilities and new challenges. Heavy reliance on such advanced devices while operating on humans necessitates thorough training and supervision to ensure safe and efficient applications. It is the surgeon's responsibility to direct the procedure constantly and lead other team members who assist during the surgery. In this chapter, we provide miscellaneous tips and tricks that can help beginners navigate through robotic surgery with more confidence and enthusiasm.

Obesity in Adults: Position Statement of Polish Association for the Study on Obesity, Polish Association of Endocrinology, Polish Association of Cardiodiabetology, Polish Psychiatric Association, Section of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery of the Association of Polish Surgeons, and the College of Family Physicians in Poland

Obesity in adults and its complications are among the most important problems of public health. The search was conducted by using PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, MEDLINE, and EBSCO databases from January 2010 to December 2022 for English language meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized clinical trials, and observational studies from all over the world. Six main topics were defined in the joint consensus statement of the Polish Association for the Study on Obesity, the Polish Association of Endocrinology, the Polish Association of Cardio-diabetology, the Polish Psychiatric Association, the Section of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery of the Society of Polish Surgeons, and the College of Family Physicians in Poland: (1) the definition, causes and diagnosis of obesity; (2) treatment of obesity; (3) treatment of main complications of obesity; (4) bariatric surgery and its limitations; (5) the role of primary care in diagnostics and treatment of obesity and barriers; and (6) recommendations for general practitioners, regional authorities and the Ministry of Health. This statement outlines the role of an individual and the adequate approach to the treatment of obesity: overcoming obstacles in the treatment of obesity by primary health care. The approach to the treatment of obesity in patients with its most common complications is also discussed. Attention was drawn to the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation and considering the needs of patients in increasing the long-term effectiveness of obesity management.

Development and Design of E_MOTIV: A Theory-Based Adaptive E-Learning Program to Support Nurses' Provision of Brief Behavior Change Counseling

Brief counseling, when provided by adequately trained nurses, can motivate and support patient health behavior change. However, numerous barriers can impede nurses' capability and motivation to provide brief counseling. Theory-based interventions, as well as information and communication technologies, can support evidence-based practice by addressing these barriers. The purpose of this study was to document the development process of the E_MOTIV asynchronous, theory-based, adaptive e-learning program aimed at supporting nurses' provision of brief counseling for smoking cessation, healthy eating, and medication adherence. Development followed French's stepwise theory- and evidence-based approach: (1) identifying who needs to do what, differently, that is, provision of brief counseling in acute care settings by nurses; (2) identifying determinants of the provision of brief counseling; (3) identifying which intervention components and mode(s) of delivery could address determinants; and (4) developing and evaluating the program. The resulting E_MOTIV program, guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, Cognitive Load Theory, and the concept of engagement, is unique in its adaptive functionality-personalizing program content and sequence to each learners' beliefs, motivation, and learning preferences. E_MOTIV is one of the first adaptive e-learning programs developed to support nurses' practice, and this study offers key insights for future work in the field.

Endometrial cancer and obesity: Addressing the awkward silence

ABSTRACT

Endometrial cancer is the most common malignancy of the female reproductive system diagnosed in the United States. The most commonly cited cause is unopposed endogenous estrogen produced by excess adipose tissue. Endometrial cancer typically is diagnosed in postmenopausal women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or more. This article reviews how clinicians can use a systematic approach to fill the awkward silence when talking with patients about weight. Meaningful conversations about weight loss can be achieved using the 5 A's for obesity management with the goal of decreasing diagnosis and increasing survivorship from endometrial cancer.

The 5 A's of firearm safety counseling: Validating a clinical counseling methodology for firearms in a simulation-based randomized controlled trial

The 5 A's of Firearm Safety Counseling is a novel framework by which clinicians can approach firearm injury prevention counseling. To evaluate this methodology as a tool for clinicians, a single-center, simulation-based randomized controlled trial was performed with clinical trainees in psychiatry, medicine, and pediatrics in an urban quaternary care center. Participants received didactic education on firearm injury epidemiology and evidence-based policies and training on a specific counseling framework, the 5 A's of Firearm Safety Counseling which they then implemented in a simulation setting with standardized patients. Of the 29 participants who were randomized, 28 completed the trial. Most participants were psychiatry trainees (residents or subspecialty fellows). While over 60% of participants were uncomfortable or extremely uncomfortable counseling on firearm injury prior to the interventions, only 4% reported being uncomfortable after receiving education and participating in simulated encounters. There was no significant difference between the quality and content of the counseling provided before and after the didactic-only session. There was a significant difference between the quality and content of the counseling provided before and after the specific training on the 5 A's for Firearm Safety Counseling strategy. The 5 A's for Firearm Safety Counseling is a promising educational tool to improve quality, content, and comfort delivering patient-centered counseling on firearm injury prevention in a simulation-based setting. These findings suggest that further validation in a clinical setting is warranted given there is an urgent need for feasible and effective firearm injury prevention strategies among clinicians.

A theory-based adaptive E-learning program aimed at increasing intentions to provide brief behavior change counseling: Randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Unhealthy behaviors are significant contributors to non-communicable diseases. Nurses can support patient health behavior change by providing brief behavior change counseling. However, training programs in brief counseling are generally not personalized, or adapted, to the barriers and theoretical determinants of its provision in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the E_MOTIV_A theory-based adaptive e-learning program on nurses' and nursing students' intentions to provide brief counseling for smoking, unhealthy eating habits and medication nonadherence.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with nurses and nursing students in Canada. Experimental group participants were allocated to the E_MOTIV_A theory-based adaptive e-learning program. Control group participants were allocated to the E_MOTIV_B knowledge-based standardized e-learning program. E_MOTIV_A was designed to influence the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior (e.g., attitude, subjective norms) in relation to brief counseling. Outcomes were improvement in intention to provide brief counseling, improvement in other Theory of Planned Behavior variables, as well as cognitive load and engagement related to e-learning.

RESULTS

A total of 102 participants were randomized to the experimental (n = 51) and control (n = 51) groups. End of study questionnaires were completed by 27 experimental group and 38 control group participants. Analyses indicated no significant differences between groups in the change of scores for intention to provide brief counseling. However, while not significant, the change of score was greater in the experimental group (10.22 ± 3.34 versus 9.04 ± 2.80; p = 0.787). Scores in both groups improved significantly for attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, behavioral beliefs, and control beliefs. However, there were no statistically significant differences between groups for these variables as well as for cognitive load and engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

Both e-learning programs had a similar positive effect on nurses' and nursing students' intentions to provide brief counseling and on Theory of Planned Behavior variables.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN32603572; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN32603572.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/18894; https://doi.org/10.2196/18894.

Practical Approaches to Treating Obesity: Patient and Healthcare Professional Perspectives

Obesity is a chronic and treatable disease carrying risk for numerous health complications, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and certain cancers. While there is a great need to address the topic in clinical practice, healthcare professionals (HCPs) often struggle to initiate conversations about weight. In this paper, guidance on how to raise and address the subject of weight with individuals is provided from an HCP and patient perspective using the 5As framework. This model facilitates advising individuals on the benefits of weight loss and supports them to develop achievable and sustainable weight management plans. With obesity rates still rising across the globe, it is imperative that more HCPs become skilled in raising and addressing the issue.

Using a brief web-based 5A intervention to improve weight management in primary care: results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The primary health care setting is considered a major starting point in successful obesity management. However, research indicates insufficient quality of weight counseling in primary care. Aim of the present study was to implement and evaluate a 5A online tutorial aimed at improving weight management and provider-patient-interaction in primary health care. The online tutorial is a stand-alone low-threshold minimal e-health intervention for general practitioners based on the 5As guidance for obesity management by the Canadian Obesity Network.

METHODS

In a cluster-randomized controlled trial, 50 primary care practices included 160 patients aged 18 to 60 years with obesity (BMI ≥ 30). The intervention practices had continuous access to the 5A online tutorial for the general practitioner. Patients of control practices were treated as usual. Primary outcome was the patients' perspective of the doctor-patient-interaction regarding obesity management, assessed with the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care before and after (6/12 months) the training. Treatment effects over time (intention-to-treat) were evaluated using mixed-effects linear regression models.

RESULTS

More than half of the physicians (57%) wished for more training offers on obesity counseling. The 5A online tutorial was completed by 76% of the physicians in the intervention practices. Results of the mixed-effects regression analysis showed no treatment effect at 6 months and 12 months' follow-up for the PACIC 5A sum score. Patients with obesity in the intervention group scored lower on self-stigma and readiness for weight management compared to participants in the control group at 6 months' follow-up. However, there were no significant group differences for weight, quality of life, readiness to engage in weight management, self-stigma and depression at 12 months' follow-up.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, the present study provides the first long-term results for a 5A-based intervention in the context of the German primary care setting. The results suggest that a stand-alone low-threshold minimal e-health intervention for general practitioners does not improve weight management in the long term. To improve weight management in primary care, more comprehensive strategies are needed. However, due to recruitment difficulties the final sample was smaller than intended. This may have contributed to the null results.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study has been registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (Identifier: DRKS00009241 , Registered 3 February 2016).

Attitudes and treatment practice of general practitioners towards patients with obesity in primary care

Background

Obesity is one of the most common and relevant health problems in need of urgent action in Germany. General practitioners (GPs) are the initial contact and thus one of the most important starting points for the successful treatment of overweight and obesity. The aim of the study was to assess the treatment practice and attitudes towards patients with obesity in primary health care in Germany.

Methods

Analyses were based on baseline data of the INTERACT trial of 47 GPs in central Germany. Stigmatizing attitudes were identified using the Fat Phobia Scale (FPS). In addition, questionnaires including sociodemographic information, attribution of causes of obesity, referral behavior and clinical activities were completed. Statistical investigations include descriptive analysis, principal component analysis, inference statistics and linear regression models.

Results

GPs rated the quality of medical care for patients with obesity in Germany as below average. The FPS score revealed a value of 3.70, showing that GPs’ attitudes towards patients with obesity are stigmatizing. Younger GP age, male gender and a lower number of referrals to specialists were associated with higher levels of stigmatizing attitudes.

Conclusion

Weight-related stigmatization has an impact on medical treatment. Obesity management guides would help to increase knowledge and reduce weight-related stigmatization in primary care, thereby improving medical care for obese and overweight patients.

[Obesity and Depression in Primary Care - Results from the INTERACT Study]

OBJECTIVE

Comorbid mental conditions affect course and outcome of somatic disorders negatively. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence of depressive disorders in primary care patients with obesity.

METHODS

131 primary care patients with obesity who participated in the baseline assessment of the INTERACT study were regularly interviewed with PHQ-9. The prevalence of depression in obesity was determined.

RESULTS

29 % of patients with obesity had a Major Depression, further 31 % showed subclinical depressive symptoms. The prevalence of depression is highest in patients with obesity level III.

CONCLUSION

Obesity is highly associated with comorbid depression and challenges treatment in primary care.

Psychometric properties of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care measure (PACIC-5A) among patients with obesity

Background

The Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC-5A) was developed to assess the satisfaction with patient-provider interaction based on the Chronic Care Model. The additional 5A approach (assess, advise, agree, assist, arrange) allows to score behavioral counseling. The aim of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of the German adaptation of the PACIC-5A questionnaire in a sample of general practitioners (GP) patients with obesity.

Methods

Analyses were based on data from the study “Five A’s counseling in weight management of obese patients in primary care: a cluster randomized controlled trial (INTERACT)”. Data were collected via standardized questionnaires containing the 26-item version of the PACIC-5A questionnaire. A total of 117 patients with obesity were included in the analyses. Statistical procedures comprised descriptive analyses, the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha, test-retest analyses and factor analyses in order to assess the psychometric properties including reliability and validity of the PACIC-5A.

Results

The patient’s mean age was 43.4 years and the sample was mostly female (59%). Middle educational level was found for the majority (78%) and the mean Body Mass Index was 38.9 kg/m². Descriptive analyses revealed a mean PACIC score of 2.33 and 5A sum score of 2.29. Notable floor effects were found. PACIC-5A showed high level of internal consistency (Cronbach’s alphas > 0.9) and exploratory factor analyses resulted in a unidimensional structure.

Conclusion

The results of this study provide evidence regarding the psychometric properties of the German version of the PACIC-5A used in a sample of GP patients with obesity and make an important contribution to the reliable and valid assessment of the patient-GP interaction with regard to obesity counseling in primary care.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-019-3871-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.