BACKGROUND: Both patients and government expect the GP to treat obesity. Previous studies reported a negative attitude of GPs towards this task. Little is known about the attitude of GP trainees. OBJECTIVES: To assess the attitude and other factors that influence the willingness and ability of GP trainees to provide lifestyle interventions for overweight patients. METHODS: A qualitative study was performed using focus groups, consisting of first- and third-year trainees, GP trainers and teachers. Two researchers analysed the data independently. RESULTS: First-year trainees lack knowledge and a positive attitude. Third-year trainees, although trained in motivational interviewing techniques, lack specific knowledge and feel cheated when discussing eating habits. Trainers are despondent as they rarely observe long-lasting results. Teachers warn the trainees not to have high hopes. The trainers and trainees fear ruining the relationship with their patient, and all make a request for evidence-based multidisciplinary treatment programmes, joint responsibility and an image change in society to stop the epidemic. CONCLUSIONS: Trainees do not feel more competent in treating overweight patients successfully over the course of their GP specialty training and GP trainers are not convinced of the success of the treatment of overweight patients. Therefore, it could be equally important to reflect on the GP trainer as a role model as to concentrate on the education of the trainee. Both need a revived attitude and evidence-based treatment programmes, help from policy makers and an attitude change in society are desired.
BACKGROUND: Both patients and government expect the GP to treat obesity. Previous studies reported a negative attitude of GPs towards this task. Little is known about the attitude of GP trainees. OBJECTIVES: To assess the attitude and other factors that influence the willingness and ability of GP trainees to provide lifestyle interventions for overweight patients. METHODS: A qualitative study was performed using focus groups, consisting of first- and third-year trainees, GP trainers and teachers. Two researchers analysed the data independently. RESULTS: First-year trainees lack knowledge and a positive attitude. Third-year trainees, although trained in motivational interviewing techniques, lack specific knowledge and feel cheated when discussing eating habits. Trainers are despondent as they rarely observe long-lasting results. Teachers warn the trainees not to have high hopes. The trainers and trainees fear ruining the relationship with their patient, and all make a request for evidence-based multidisciplinary treatment programmes, joint responsibility and an image change in society to stop the epidemic. CONCLUSIONS: Trainees do not feel more competent in treating overweight patients successfully over the course of their GP specialty training and GP trainers are not convinced of the success of the treatment of overweight patients. Therefore, it could be equally important to reflect on the GP trainer as a role model as to concentrate on the education of the trainee. Both need a revived attitude and evidence-based treatment programmes, help from policy makers and an attitude change in society are desired.
Authors: Willem J J Assendelft; Markus M J Nielen; Dries M Hettinga; Victor van der Meer; Mieke van Vliet; Antonius J M Drenthen; Francois G Schellevis; Marianne J W van Oosterhout Journal: Fam Pract Date: 2012-04 Impact factor: 2.267
Authors: Min Hae Park; Áine Skow; Dewi Ismajani Puradiredja; Anna Lucas; Hayley Syrad; Ulla Sovio; Billy White; Anthony S Kessel; Barry Taylor; Sonia Saxena; Russell M Viner; Sanjay Kinra Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2015-06-12 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Elizabeth H Evans; Kirby Sainsbury; Dominika Kwasnicka; Alex Bolster; Vera Araujo-Soares; Falko F Sniehotta Journal: BMC Fam Pract Date: 2018-01-08 Impact factor: 2.497
Authors: William Warr; Paul Aveyard; Charlotte Albury; Brian Nicholson; Kate Tudor; Richard Hobbs; Nia Roberts; Sue Ziebland Journal: Obes Rev Date: 2020-12-06 Impact factor: 9.213
Authors: Imre Rurik; Péter Torzsa; István Ilyés; Endre Szigethy; Eszter Halmy; Gabriella Iski; László Róbert Kolozsvári; Lajos Mester; Csaba Móczár; József Rinfel; Lajos Nagy; László Kalabay Journal: BMC Fam Pract Date: 2013-10-19 Impact factor: 2.497