Engaged communication to improve obesity management
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Promoting engaged communication between health care professionals and patients with obesity
IRAS ID
233202
Contact name
Vivien Coates
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ulster University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 31 days
Research summary
The goal of reducing obesity and associated morbidity is an urgent global health priority. The increasing prevalence of obesity has become such a serious international public health problem that the escalating demands placed on a limited pool of health care resources is not sustainable. Excess weight potentially reduces quality of life, life span and can cause unnecessary suffering yet, clinical interventions to reduce obesity have proven ineffective. Strategies need developed and implemented which will make every clinical contact count with obesity management. However, there is a scarcity of research evidence illuminating what these strategies might be. Health care professionals are recommended to consistently speak to patients with overweight and obesity about diet and exercise habits at each appointment and offer help but this does not routinely happen. The acquisition of appropriate attitudes and clinical skills are crucial for such activity, yet education and training is insufficient. Thus demonstrating the need for pioneering educational interventions to improve clinical engagement to meet the demands of clinical service. Our programme of work aims to improve population weight management through enhancing engagement between clinicians and patients regarding obesity management and improving referral practices. This preliminary stage of the programme of research will generate data from patients with obesity and health care professionals managing obesity to inform the development of an educational intervention to improve engaged communication. This is a short (10 months) two phase, qualitative study. Phase one will generate data via focus groups with patients and doctors, nurses, and dietitians. Phase one will inform phase two which will develop an educational intervention to improve engaged clinical conversations around obesity management. The impact of the intervention on clinician behaviour and clinical outcomes will be assessed in a future large scale multisite UK study.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0558
Date of REC Opinion
13 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion