Abstracts / Posters
Patients experiences of a UK primary care weight management programme: the Counterweight programme.
Iinternational Association for the Study of Obesity. Obesity Reviews. 2006 7 (supp 2) p282.
The Counterweight Project Team
Background: Patient experience plays a critical role in development of weight management services.
Method: The Counterweight Programme is a multi-centre trial aimed at improving obesity management in primary care. A total of 1906 patients from 65 practices were enrolled in the programme. A qualitative study to explore patient experience was conducted by an independent research team. A varied sample of 37 patients: those who had completed the programme or not and lost weight or not, participated individual in-depth interviews or focus groups.
Results: Patients who completed the programme were more confident in their abilities, clear about the programme structure and weight loss expectations. Some individuals reported that they had learned the benefits of, and accepted an average weight loss of 05kg/1lb week. Others reported that they felt the 5-10% target for weight loss was too small. Some individuals with limited weight loss success reported they had lost inches, felt healthier and were eating better. Programme non-completers felt they had misunderstood what the programme was going to offer; difficulties integrating suggested lifestyle changes, perceived increased living costs, general discouragement and disruptions to the programme, all reduced success. Many patients were lifelong ‘dieters’ who were burdened with scepticism and self-doubt. Past experience had bred a mixture of desperation for (and low expectation of) success, combined with high ideals in terms of what constitutes success.
Conclusion: Patient expectations, previous experiences of weight management and understanding what Counterweight was offering were key issues for patients.