Meeting bariatric patient care needs: procedures and protocol development.

Regardless of whether your facility has an existing surgical bariatric program, ongoing attention to staff education and the organization's physical environment is key in identifying potential areas of risk and need for improvements in meeting the needs of this special patient population. Development of an organization-wide protocol specifically designed to meet the needs of all bariatric patients will facilitate the provision of safe and dignified care for both patient and caregiver. Protocol parameters to include are assessment for body mass index, abdominal-hip girth, mobility level, and skin complications. Assessment findings trigger care planning for optimal patient outcomes.