Abstract
Background: Given the growing population of U.S. adults with obesity and mobility disability, physicians will need to accommodate these patients. Objective: To explore attitudes and practices of US physicians related to caring for patients with obesity and mobility disability. Methods: Three open-ended, semi-structured, web-based focus group interviews with practicing physicians in selected specialties, which reached data saturation. Interviews were video recorded and transcribed for qualitative, conventional content analysis. Measurements included commonly expressed themes around caring for patients with obesity. Results: Physicians recognized obesity as a disability that poses challenges to high quality, safe, and efficient patient care. Observations coalesced around four themes: (1) difficulty routinely tracking weight; (2) reluctance to transfer obese patients to exam tables; (3) barriers to diagnostic testing; and (4) weight stigma. Physicians described difficulties accurately assessing weight, performing complete physical examinations, arranging diagnostic imaging, and providing prenatal care for obese patients. Lack of accessible medical diagnostic equipment impeded care for patients with obesity. Other participants did not contest comments of individual participants’ that suggested weight stigma. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that important gaps may remain in providing equitable access to care for patients with obesity, requiring additional training and accessible medical diagnostic equipment to safely accommodate these patients.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 100951 |
Journal | Disability and Health Journal |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2021 |
Funding
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute for Child Health and Human Development funded this work ( R01 HD091211-01A1 ). The funders were not involved in the design, collection, analysis, interpretation of data, or decision to approve publication of finished manuscript.
Keywords
- Disability
- Exam tables
- Obesity
- Physical access
- Weight scales
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health