ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Jodi Summers Holtrop, PhD, MCHES; Lauri Connelly, MS; Rebekah Gomes, MA; Laurie Fitzpatrick, BS; Claude Rubinson, PhD; Rowena J. Dolor, MD, MHS; R. Mark Gritz, PhD; Zhehui Luo, PhD; Bonnie Jortberg, PhD, RDN, CDCES; Andrea Nederveld, MD, MPH
Corresponding Author: Jodi Summers Holtrop, PhD, MCHES; University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine - Department of Family Medicine
Email: Jodi.holtrop@cuanschutz.edu
DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2022.220315R2
Keywords: Body Composition, Organizational Innovation, Qualitative Research, Weight Loss
Dates: Submitted: 09-15-2022; Revised: 12-16-2022; 03-21-2023; Accepted: 04-03-2023
FINAL PUBLICATION: |HTML| |PDF|
BACKGROUND: Obesity is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States (US). Primary care medical practices can educate patients about the health effects of obesity and help patients with obesity lose and manage their weight. However, implementation of weight management in primary care is challenging. We sought to examine how practices that implement weight management services do so feasibly.
METHODS: Multiple methods including site visits, observations, interviews, and document reviews were utilized to identify and learn from primary care practices located across the US. A qualitative multidimensional classification of empirical cases was performed to identify unique delivery features that were feasible to implement in primary care.
RESULTS: Across 21 practices, four delivery models were identified: group, integrated into standard primary care, hiring an “other” professional, and using a specific program. Model characteristics included who delivered the weight management services, whether delivered to an individual or group, the types of approaches used, and how the care was reimbursed or paid. Most practices integrated weight management services and primary care delivery, although some created specific carve-out programs.
CONCLUSION: This study identified four models that may serve to overcome challenges in delivering weight management services in primary care. Based on practice characteristics, preferences and resources, primary care practices can identify a model for successfully implementing weight management services that best fits their context and needs. It is time for primary care to truly address obesity care as the health issue it is and make it a standard of care for all patients with obesity.