Support groups vary greatly in form and function based on the leader.

1. Professional versus
Peer Led
Support Groups
Pam Davis, RN, CBN, MBA
Program Director
Centennial Center for Weight Management
Nashville, Tennessee

2. DISCLOSURE
Nothing to disclose

5. MBSAQIP Standard
• Quarterly
• In-person, web-based, teleconferenced
• Practice/facility
• Licensed HCP oversight
• Patients must have knowledge of options
• Document:
• Location, time
• Supervisor, curriculum, attendance
https://www.facs.org/~/media/files/quality%20programs/bariatric/mbsaqip%20standardsmanual.ashx

6. So many options to support our
patients -
how many do you use?

7. Professional-led Groups
• Cost
• Consistency
• Open or closed
• Program Philosophy
• Group Leader
• Experienced
• Group Dynamics
• Credentials
• Group Dynamics
• Realistic
• Specialty
• Supportive
• Inclusive/Exclusive

8. ASMBS Support Group
Facilitator Manual
• Format suggestions
• Group topic suggestions
• Keeping patients engaged
• Current research
• References
https://asmbs.org/resources/asmbs-bariatric-surgery-support-group-facilitator-manual
Topic Categories for
Professional-led Groups
• Physical health*
• Emotional health*
• Nutritional health*
• Social/relational health*
• Reconstructive surgery
• Back on Track

9. Peer-led Groups
• Group Leader
• Training
• Group Dynamics
• Group Dynamic
• Realistic
• Supportive
• Inclusive
• Consistency
• Open or closed
• Location
• Ease of access
• Establish group norms

10. Are Peer-led Groups Worth the Trouble?
• Who’s going to train the SGL?
• What are you going to teach them?
• How do you monitor what goes on in group?
• What, if any, criteria do you have for who can
be a SGL?

11. Online Groups - what are your options?

12. @BariBelle
Pamela
R Davis
PamDavis
RN
BariBelle
PamDavis
Consulting
pamdavismb
a@gmail.com
615-414-4094