Overlooked and under-evidenced: Community health and long-term care service needs, utilization, and costs incurred by people with severe obesity.

Abstract

Numbers of people with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 ), with need for community health and long-term care (LTC) services, are increasing, but documentation is lacking. We identified individuals with severe obesity known to community health and care professionals in a representative United Kingdom region and used an investigator-administered questionnaire to record needs and use of community health and LTC services. Data were verified against health and LTC records. Local and published sources informed detailed micro-costing. Twenty-five individuals (15 women) consented, aged 40-87 (mean=62) years, BMI 40-77 (mean=55) kg/m2 : 20 participants (80%) were housebound. Twenty-two different cross-sector community health and LTC services were used, including community equipment service (n=23), district nursing (n=20), occupational therapy (n=14), and LTC (n=12). Twenty-four (96%) participants used three or more services, with longest care episode lasting over 14 years. Total annual service costs incurred by participants varied from £2053 to £82 792; mean £26 594 (lower estimate £80 064; mean £22 462/upper estimate £88 870; mean £30 726), with greatest costs being for LTC. Individual costs for equipment (currently provided) and home adaptations (ever provided) ranged widely, from zero to £35 946. Total mean annual costs increased by ascending BMI category, up to BMI 70 kg/m2 . This study provides a framework with which to inform service provision and economic analysis of weight management interventions. People with severe obesity may need sustained care from multiple community care services.