A qualitative exploration on the needs of health care providers working with adolescents who are undergoing bariatric surgery

BACKGROUND: With increasing prevalence of severe obesity in youth, more adolescents are becoming candidates for bariatric surgery. In Canada, bariatric surgery in adolescents is in its infancy, and long-term health outcomes are not well known. It is unknown what health care providers (HCPs) are using to prepare and guide their adolescent patients for bariatric surgery. The needs of HCPs should be explored with the aim to improve patient outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the resource needs of HCPs working with adolescents living with severe obesity who are undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: This qualitative study consisted of a focus group with seven HCPs from an adolescent bariatric program using a semi-structured interview guide. The focus group discussion was audio-recorded, and the recording was transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Four data-generated themes emerged highlighting the perceived needs and challenges faced by HCPs. These included (1) gaps in patient education materials on the subject of the bariatric surgery process, obesity as a chronic disease and mental health, (2) the need for designing resources that are teen-friendly, adaptable, and accessible, (3) the need for resources to facilitate decision-making and patient evaluation delivering more streamlined care and; (4) challenges to addressing resource needs due to limited clinical time and budgets. CONCLUSION: This needs assessment study highlights the need for appropriate resources for patient education, as well as pre and post-operative preparation. The hope is that HCPs can improve quality of care delivered and positively impact surgical outcomes in their patients.