Tanner, B. Needs Analysis of Primary Care Physicians and Other Providers in Terms of Obesity Training. Poster presented Overcoming Obesity: Diagnose. Personalize. Treat. Conference of the American Society of Bariatric Physicians, September 12, 2014 Austin Texas.

1. Methods: A mixed methods approach involved a
convenience sample of 25 primary care providers who
currently treat adult patients who are clinically
overweight or obese. Most questions used a 5 point
likert scale. A detailed follow up interview was
completed with 7 subjects.
Results: Primary care providers were strongly interested in assessing patients for
overweight or obesity [88%]; They also identified the importance of recommending treatment
to these adult patients [84%]. Confidence in assessing and treating were also high especially
for:
1) discussing weight with obese patients [92%],
2) recommending changes in diet [96%] or physical activity [92%],
3) assessing for weight-related comorbidities [92%], and
4) calculating BMI [92%].
Low confidence was seen for: measuring waist circumference [63%], selecting patients for
surgical treatment [48%], and using effective pharmacotherapies [32%].
Negative attitudes toward obese patients [8%], provider's own weight issues [16%], and lack
of provider confidence in discussing weight loss [28%] were generally not perceived to be
barriers to treatment. In contrast, approximately 65% cited a lack of training or knowledge
related to counseling, guidelines/interventions or pharmacotherapy.
Providers felt more education would improve confidence/competence/performance and effect
practice change [80%]. Topic areas of greatest need included:
1) detailed instruction on counseling patients [96%],
2) the use of surgery in weight management [92%],
3) techniques to communicate with patients about their obesity [88%],
4) effectiveness of different interventions [88%], and
5) the use of pharmacotherapy in weight management [88%].
In the telephone interview, providers clarified that more education is needed on surgical
options including criteria for surgery, what happens after referral, and the referral process.
Needs Analysis of Primary Care Physicians and Other ProvidersNeeds Analysis of Primary Care Physicians and Other Providers
in Terms of Obesity Trainingin Terms of Obesity Training
Bradley Tanner, MD, Mary Metcalf Ph.D, MPH, Karen Rossie, DDS, PhDBradley Tanner, MD, Mary Metcalf Ph.D, MPH, Karen Rossie, DDS, PhD
Acknowledgments/Disclosure
Conclusions: Our sample of primary care
providers is interested in addressing weight issues and
sees value in additional training. Although they are
confident in basic skills, they seek new and advanced
skills to expand their capability. The highest priority
topics for educators who intend to impact provider
skills related to obesity intervention are conversational
and counseling skills as well as the indications for
interventions, including both bariatric surgery and
pharmacotherapy.
Purpose: With funding from the
National Institutes of Health, National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) (NIH grant
#2R44DK091144-01A1), we are creating a
web-based training program for primary care
providers on evaluation and treatment of
patient with obesity or overweight or at risk
for obesity or overweight. The interactive
case-based learning experience strives to
alter practice behavior and improve
clinical decision making via patient case
scenarios.
Suggested Citation and Communication
Tanner, B. Needs Analysis of Primary Care Physicians and
Other Providers in Terms of Obesity Training. Poster
presented Overcoming Obesity: Diagnose. Personalize.
Treat. Conference of the American Society of Bariatric
Physicians, September 12, 2014 Austin Texas.
Contact author: tanner@clinicaltools.com
Funding for this project was provided by the
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) (NIH grant
#2R44DK091144-01A1) to Clinical Tools, Inc. TB
Tanner, MD, Principal Investigator.
Clinical Tools, Inc is 100% owned by T. Bradley
Tanner, MD and he serves as President of Clinical
Tools, Inc.
Background: Primary care physicians
and other providers are in a unique position to
intervene with overweight or obese patients and
effect health outcomes; yet they do not
consistently implement best practices. Our study
was completed in fulfillment of NIH grant
#2R44DK091144-01A1 and sought to determine
the need for a training program and the training
topics that should be emphasized.
Relevance: Improving skills related to obesity assessment and intervention in
primary care can have a dramatic effect on the obesity epidemic.
References
1 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee. Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory
Committee Report. Health and Human Services. 2008. Available at:
http://www.health.gov/PAGuidelines/Report/pdf/CommitteeReport.pdf
2 U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for and Management of Obesity in Adults: U.S.
Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement. AHRQ Publication No. 11-05159-EF-
2. 2012. Available at:
http://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf11/obeseadult/obesers.htm Accessed on:
2014-03-19
Background: Primary care physicians
and other providers are in a unique position to
intervene with overweight or obese patients and
effect health outcomes; yet they do not
consistently implement best practices. Our study
was completed in fulfillment of NIH grant
#2R44DK091144-01A1 and sought to determine
the need for a training program and the training
topics that should be emphasized.