Improvement of Obesity Management in Primary Care: Self-Efficacy, Readiness for Change, and Provider Education

Background: Obesity is a known comorbidity for chronic disease and is responsible for 47% of related medical costs. Recognizing the complex etiology of obesity, the need for an effective and comprehensive screening tool will assist primary care providers in assessing their patient's needs and facilitating success in managing their weight and health. Primary care providers (PCP) have limited knowledge of current evidence in obesity treatment. The project guides the form of tools to help identify the patients' self-efficacy, change readiness, and insurance reimbursement. Methods: Expedited IRB approval was obtained, allowing for data analysis from completed de-identified screenings, surveys, and medical records gathered between September 2022 and April 2023. Screenings including Weight Efficacy, Lifestyle long-form (WEL-LF), and Stages Of Change Readiness And Treatment Eagerness Scale In Overweight And Obesity (SOCRATES-OO) were used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment plan. Russwurm and Larrabee's model for evidence-based practice change was chosen for the project's framework. The provider was given a guide for obesity management with tips for billing insurance. A convenience sample of eight patients met with the providers over three months as part of their obesity management treatment plan. Results: The pre and post-screenings collected from the remaining participants (n=8) showed no statistical differences. However, the satisfaction and feedback survey from patients (n=8), provider (n=1), and office staff (n=4) showed improved quality of care and greater confidence in the provider's part in initiating and managing their patient's chronic obesity. Conclusion: Improving PCPs' knowledge of Obesity treatment improves patient care. Expanding this project to a larger scale and disseminating the information can impact patients' lives positively. Keywords: Obesity; self-efficacy; readiness for change; stages of change; primary care, Weight Efficacy Lifestyle questionnaires