A Qualitative Study of the System-level Barriers to Bariatric Surgery Within the Veterans Health Administration.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To characterize system-level barriers to bariatric surgery from the perspectives of Veterans with severe obesity and obesity care providers.

Summary of background data

Bariatric surgery is the most effective weight loss option for Veterans with severe obesity, but fewer than 0.1% of Veterans with severe obesity undergo it. Addressing low utilization of bariatric surgery and weight management services is a priority for the veterans health administration.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews with Veterans with severe obesity who were referred for or underwent bariatric surgery, and providers who delivered care to veterans with severe obesity, including bariatric surgeons, primary care providers, registered dietitians, and health psychologists. We as

SUBMITTER: Funk LM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7674184 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature