Implementing of a Weight Management Algorithm in Primary Care
Abstract
ABSTRACT
To introduce a modified Weight Management Tool compliant with the AHA/ACC/TOS guidelines that provides practicing clinicians with effective management options so as to increase awareness of obesity. Since 1975 obesity has tripled, lowering life expectancy by four years for a BMI of 30–35 kg/m2 and ten years for a BMI > 40 kg/m2 (WHO, 2015). Obesity has amplified the risk of co-morbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high blood triglyceride levels, hyperlipidemia, and type II diabetes. The project involved one primary care clinic with a designated care team, consisting of two Board Certified Physicians. During the implementation of the weight management algorithm, a total of 1231 patients from ages >19 years were seen within October – December in 2019. The project showed that providers did attempt to use the algorithm in a way that was beneficial for the patient’s well-being. There was a 13% increase in counseling/education, with an overall 8.3% increase in counseling education in patients with a BMI of > 30kg/m2. There was also a 1.7% increase in referrals. As far as obesity awareness, there was a 0.6% increase in new obesity diagnosis. Both PCPs found the algorithm increased their awareness of obesity and was an easy guide to quickly identify and categorize treatments based on BMI. However, they both felt neutral whether the algorithm allowed enough time for counseling and managing obesity. The modified algorithm proves to increase physician confidence, realization to guidelines, counseling skills, as well as the use of the healthcare’s specific resources to dietitians, online diet programs, physical activity, and weight loss classes.
To introduce a modified Weight Management Tool compliant with the AHA/ACC/TOS guidelines that provides practicing clinicians with effective management options so as to increase awareness of obesity. Since 1975 obesity has tripled, lowering life expectancy by four years for a BMI of 30–35 kg/m2 and ten years for a BMI > 40 kg/m2 (WHO, 2015). Obesity has amplified the risk of co-morbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, high blood triglyceride levels, hyperlipidemia, and type II diabetes. The project involved one primary care clinic with a designated care team, consisting of two Board Certified Physicians. During the implementation of the weight management algorithm, a total of 1231 patients from ages >19 years were seen within October – December in 2019. The project showed that providers did attempt to use the algorithm in a way that was beneficial for the patient’s well-being. There was a 13% increase in counseling/education, with an overall 8.3% increase in counseling education in patients with a BMI of > 30kg/m2. There was also a 1.7% increase in referrals. As far as obesity awareness, there was a 0.6% increase in new obesity diagnosis. Both PCPs found the algorithm increased their awareness of obesity and was an easy guide to quickly identify and categorize treatments based on BMI. However, they both felt neutral whether the algorithm allowed enough time for counseling and managing obesity. The modified algorithm proves to increase physician confidence, realization to guidelines, counseling skills, as well as the use of the healthcare’s specific resources to dietitians, online diet programs, physical activity, and weight loss classes.