BACKGROUND: Failure to follow-up post-bariatric surgery has been associated with higher postoperative complications, lower percentage weight loss and poorer nutrition. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to understand the patient follow-up experience in order to optimize follow-up care within a comprehensive bariatric surgery program. METHODS: Qualitative telephone interviews were conducted in patients who underwent surgery through a publically funded multidisciplinary bariatric surgery program in 2011, in Ontario, Canada. Inductive thematic analysis was used. RESULTS: Of the 46 patients interviewed, 76.1 % were female, mean age was 50, and 10 were lost to follow-up within 1 year postsurgery. Therapeutic continuity was the most important element of follow-up care identified by patients and was most frequently established with the dietician, as this team member was highly sought and accessible. Patients who attended regularly (1) appreciated the specialized care, (2) favoured ongoing monitoring and support, (3) were committed to the program and (4) felt their family doctor had insufficient experience/knowledge to manage their follow-up care. Of the 36 people who attended the clinic regularly, 8 were not planning to return after 2 years due to (1) perceived diminishing usefulness, (2) system issues, (3) confidence that their family physician could continue their care or (4) higher priority personal/health issues. Patients lost to follow-up stated similar barriers. CONCLUSION: Patients believe the follow-up post-bariatric surgery is essential in providing the support required to maintain their diet and health. More personalized care focusing on continuity and relationships catering to individual patient needs balanced with local healthcare resources may redefine and reduce attrition rates.
BACKGROUND: Failure to follow-up post-bariatric surgery has been associated with higher postoperative complications, lower percentage weight loss and poorer nutrition. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to understand the patient follow-up experience in order to optimize follow-up care within a comprehensive bariatric surgery program. METHODS: Qualitative telephone interviews were conducted in patients who underwent surgery through a publically funded multidisciplinary bariatric surgery program in 2011, in Ontario, Canada. Inductive thematic analysis was used. RESULTS: Of the 46 patients interviewed, 76.1 % were female, mean age was 50, and 10 were lost to follow-up within 1 year postsurgery. Therapeutic continuity was the most important element of follow-up care identified by patients and was most frequently established with the dietician, as this team member was highly sought and accessible. Patients who attended regularly (1) appreciated the specialized care, (2) favoured ongoing monitoring and support, (3) were committed to the program and (4) felt their family doctor had insufficient experience/knowledge to manage their follow-up care. Of the 36 people who attended the clinic regularly, 8 were not planning to return after 2 years due to (1) perceived diminishing usefulness, (2) system issues, (3) confidence that their family physician could continue their care or (4) higher priority personal/health issues. Patients lost to follow-up stated similar barriers. CONCLUSION:Patients believe the follow-up post-bariatric surgery is essential in providing the support required to maintain their diet and health. More personalized care focusing on continuity and relationships catering to individual patient needs balanced with local healthcare resources may redefine and reduce attrition rates.
Authors: Lars Sjöström; Anna-Karin Lindroos; Markku Peltonen; Jarl Torgerson; Claude Bouchard; Björn Carlsson; Sven Dahlgren; Bo Larsson; Kristina Narbro; Carl David Sjöström; Marianne Sullivan; Hans Wedel Journal: N Engl J Med Date: 2004-12-23 Impact factor: 91.245
Authors: Melinda A Maggard; Lisa R Shugarman; Marika Suttorp; Margaret Maglione; Harvey J Sugerman; Harvey J Sugarman; Edward H Livingston; Ninh T Nguyen; Zhaoping Li; Walter A Mojica; Lara Hilton; Shannon Rhodes; Sally C Morton; Paul G Shekelle Journal: Ann Intern Med Date: 2005-04-05 Impact factor: 25.391
Authors: Lawrence A Palinkas; Sarah M Horwitz; Carla A Green; Jennifer P Wisdom; Naihua Duan; Kimberly Hoagwood Journal: Adm Policy Ment Health Date: 2015-09
Authors: Adam Diamant; Michelle C Cleghorn; Joseph Milner; Sanjeev Sockalingam; Allan Okrainec; Timothy D Jackson; Fayez A Quereshy Journal: CMAJ Open Date: 2015-07-17