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Perception of Bariatric Surgery and Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies Among Primary Care Physicians

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Abstract

Introduction

In the USA, less than 1% of eligible patients who qualify for bariatric surgery ultimately undergo surgery. Perceptions of endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBTs) for weight management remain unknown.

Methods

A 22-question survey was distributed to primary care physicians (PCPs) across the Mayo Clinic healthcare system. Survey invitations were sent via email, and all surveys were unanimously conducted electronically.

Results

A total of 130 PCPs participated in the survey (40% response rate). Twenty-four PCPs were between 20 and 24 years out of training (18.5%), and 71 (54.6%) were female. Most providers had a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2 (n = 62, 47.7%). Among the weight loss options discussed during clinic visits, PCPs discussed lifestyle modification including diet and exercise (n = 129; 99.2%), and 68 PCPs (52.3%) were not aware of EBTs as weight loss interventions. While 46.2% of the PCPs agreed that a bariatric endoscopy is an effective option for weight loss, only 24.6% of PCPs were familiar with the indications for EBTs. Most of the cohort (n = 69, 53.1%) experienced barriers in referring their patients. Moreover, most of the patients referred to bariatric clinics were from PCPs who had a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2 (n = 62, 47.7%) as compared to PCPs with a BMI of 40 kg/m2 and greater (n = 5, 3.8%).

Conclusions

Due to the rise of bariatric therapies in recent years, PCPs are increasingly involved in the referral and management of patients with obesity and obesity-related comorbidities. However, knowledge gaps regarding weight loss options, including EBTs, could limit optimal care to patients desiring medically monitored weight loss.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic in Florida, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA

    Ahmed Ouni, Atulya Aman Khosla & Victoria Gómez

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  1. Ahmed Ouni
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  2. Atulya Aman Khosla
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  3. Victoria Gómez
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Correspondence to Ahmed Ouni.

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Key Points

• Information about the perception of PCPs regarding bariatric surgery and endoscopy.

• Identifying barriers to referral including knowledge gaps and lack of access.

• Highlighting the role of educational programs in improving knowledge regarding bariatric services.

Supplementary Information

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Supplementary file1 (DOCX 19 KB)

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Ouni, A., Khosla, A.A. & Gómez, V. Perception of Bariatric Surgery and Endoscopic Bariatric Therapies Among Primary Care Physicians. OBES SURG 32, 3384–3389 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-022-06231-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-022-06231-5

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