Weight Counseling Research Articles

Women's perceptions of body mass graphics and their preferences for weight counselling.

Health care providers may lack data-driven guidance about best practises for discussing weight. We assessed women's self-perception of body mass index (BMI) and preferences for weight counselling by provider characteristics and the initiating question. A voluntary, anonymous survey was completed by 756 women (age ≥ 19 year) at our tertiary care obstetrics and gynaecology clinics in autumn 2021. The respondents' height and weight were collected before respondents selected graphics from a validated Body Image Scale that they felt best represented their current body size and which graphs should prompt weight loss or gain recommendations. Respondents were asked their preferences about provider characteristics for discussion about weight and to identify which of six initiating questions from a provider was most and least preferred. Blank responses were allowed. In 708 responses, 366 women (52%) selected the most accurate graphic that corresponded to their BMI; the selected graphic represented a lower than actual BMI in 268 women (38%) and higher in 74 women (10%). In 648 responses, 374 women (58%) preferred a female provider, but provider body shape, ethnicity/race and age were not important to most women. The most preferred question to initiate a discussion about weight was "A lot of women have trouble achieving or maintaining a healthy weight; is that something we can discuss?" in 181 of 555 women (33%), and the least preferred question was "Do you feel like you are at an appropriate weight?" in 172 of 554 women (31%). Provider knowledge about patient preferences regarding questions may facilitate the discussion about weight.

Qualitative study on the key elements of obesity counseling in Korean Medicine

Objectives: Weight counseling is an inevitable process for patients with obesity who intend to lose weight; however, the contents of real-world counseling practices remain uncertain in Korean medicine (KM) practice. This study aimed to explore the structure and constituents of obesity counseling in KM.Methods: Qualitative methods were used to explore the structure of weight counseling and clinicians' approaches to weight counseling, particularly the advice and main constituents of weight counseling in KM. Nine KM clinicians (4 women, 5 men) from nine clinics completed face-to-face, individual and semi-structured interviews from September 2019 to February 2020 in Seoul, Daejeon, Cheonan, Seongnam, Asan, and Hwaseoug. The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, and categorized based on their constituents.Results: During weight loss counseling, the six principal constituents of KM identified were: planning with patients, motivation, correcting misinformation on weight loss, dietary and exercise advice, medication guidance, and customized guides for each type.Conclusion: Clinicians with in-depth knowledge about obesity prescribed personalized guidance for exercise, diet, and medication through an integrative approach. The study results provide an in-depth understanding of weight counseling in KM. These six constituents could guide the counseling provided by clinicians in obesity care.

How are people with obesity managed in primary care? - results of a qualitative, exploratory study in Germany 2022.

Counselling and management of overweight and obesity are tasks for which general practitioners possess favourable qualifications. Based on a long-term doctor-patient relationship, GPs have various options for actions to deal with overweight problems. To date, however, there is only little evidence on the experiences which people with obesity have made with the primary physician model and the care needs and wishes they actually address to their GPs. This study investigated what experiences people with obesity have had with GP care and what care needs and wishes they communicated to their GPs. The results will be used to derive starting points for optimising the primary healthcare setting. A total of 32 individuals affected by obesity were recruited over 24 online health forums. With them, we conducted qualitative interviews in the time between April and October 2022. The respondents considered the primary care physician to be the central contact person when they sought advice and support with weight problems. The advice of the GP was associated with an increased willingness to deal with reducing one's own weight. Despite this positive perception, widespread drawbacks existed from the perspective of the respondents: (1) incidental or late discovery of obesity, (2) absence of continuous weight counselling, (3) no agreement on specific weight reduction goals, (4) no referrals to help and support services, (5) insensitive discussion. Only some of the respondents who have recently been able to reduce their weight sustainably attributed their success primarily to the support they received from their GP. GPs should be encouraged to address obesity consistently and promptly. In addition, concrete recommendations and realistic goals for weight loss should be formulated. Continuous and motivating discussions are crucial in this regard. A focus on nutrition and exercise counselling in the GP's office should also be encouraged. GPs should be strengthened in their role as mediators by integrating their patients into a network of further assistance as needed. The development of care structures for obesity management should be promoted.

Evaluation of weight loss counsel for Osteoarthritis patients: A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES 2011–2018

Though health care providers (HCPs) know the importance of weight loss counsel for Osteoarthritis (OA), little is known about how frequently it is practiced and even less of its effectiveness. Thus, we analyzed the prevalence and effectiveness of weight counsel receipt in overweight/obese OA patients. Using 2011-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, we cross-sectionally analyzed overweight/obese patients in the United States to determine the prevalence of receipt of HCP weight counsel in those with OA and among other variables. We used multivariate logistic regression models to calculate odds ratios of being counseled and of achieving ten percent weight loss in groups with and without counsel. Mean weight losses were also compared among groups. 39,156 patients were identified, of whom 1948 met inclusion criteria. Overall, 51.89% of overweight/obese OA patients received weight counseling. The odds of receiving counsel varied with several demographic variables. The odds of achieving 10% weight loss in those counseled was 1.84 times (95% confidence interval: 1.028, 3.299) that of those not counseled (p=0.04). In contrast, patients counseled lost a mean of 0.49 pounds while those not counseled gained a mean of 0.03 pounds, a difference which was not statistically significant (p=0.59). Prevalence of weight counsel receipt for OA has not changed significantly between 2011 and 2018. Though counsel for weight more frequently leads to adequate weight loss in those with OA, the average weight loss is minimal regardless of counsel. Thus, refinement of this intervention may be needed to bolster weight loss.

Quality Measurement Gaps and Future Directions in the Assessment of Obesity.

The disease of obesity continues to increase in prevalence and severity yet obesity care, treatment, and coverage are scarce. Progress has been made in the development and implementation of quality measures in clinical practice and organizational performance. However, major gaps and limitations exist in the context of measuring guideline-based clinical care for obesity. Obesity quality measures have entered various stages of testing and development, but only a select few are included in reporting and payment programs. One process measure for adults, "Preventive Care and Screening: Body Mass Index (BMI) Screening and Follow-Up Plan" is used in Medicare. One process measure for pediatrics, "Weight Assessment and Counseling for Nutrition and Physical Activity in Children and Adolescence" is used in Medicare, health insurance plans, and Medicaid. No outcome or digital quality measure exists for the disease of obesity. One quality measure development project is underway that is testing the performance of four measures, including outcome measures for obesity. The general absence of quality measures for obesity means that there are no objective measures to address the quality of obesity care or its outcome. More meaningful efforts are needed to seriously integrate obesity with quality performance measurement and value in healthcare payment programs.

Prevalence and related factors of inappropriate gestational weight gain among pregnant women with overweight/ obesity in Thailand

BackgroundAn inappropriate gestational weight gain (GWG) among pregnant women with overweight/obesity is a crucial health problem. Its prevalence remains high worldwide, particularly in urban areas. The prevalence and predicting factors in Thailand are lack of evidence. This study aimed to investigate prevalence rates, antenatal care (ANC) service arrangement, predictive factors, and impacts of inappropriate GWG among pregnant women with overweight/obesity in Bangkok and its surrounding metropolitan area.MethodsThis cross-sectional, retrospective study used four sets of questionnaires investigating 685 pregnant women with overweight/obesity and 51 nurse-midwives (NMs) from July to December 2019 in ten tertiary hospitals. Multinomial logistic regression identified predictive factors with a 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultThe prevalence rates of excessive and inadequate GWG were 62.34% and 12.99%. Weight management for pregnant women with overweight/obesity are unavailable in tertiary cares. Over three-fourths of NMs have never received weight management training for this particular group. ANC service factors, i.e., GWG counseling by ANC providers, quality of general ANC service at an excellent and good level, NMs' positive attitudes toward GWG control, significantly decreased the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) of inadequate GWG by 0.03, 0.01, 0.02, 0.20, times, respectively. While maternal factors, sufficient income, and easy access to low-fat foods reduce AOR of inadequate GWG by 0.49, and 0.31 times. In contrast, adequate maternal GWG knowledge statistically increased the AOR of inadequate GWG 1.81 times. Meanwhile, easy access to low-fat foods and internal weight locus of control (WLOC) decreased the AOR of excessive GWG by 0.29 and 0.57 times. Finally, excessive GWG significantly increased the risk of primary C/S, fetal LGA, and macrosomia 1.65, 1.60, and 5.84 times, respectively, while inadequate GWG was not associated with adverse outcomes.ConclusionPrevalence rates of inappropriate GWG, especially excessive GWG remained high and affected adverse outcomes. The quality of ANC service provision and appropriate GWG counseling from ANC providers are significant health service factors. Thus, NMs should receive gestational weight counseling and management training to improve women's knowledge and practice for gestational weight (GW) control.

Obesity prevalence and variability in management practices for patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease

Obesity has been associated with poor disease outcomes in patients with lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Given evolving treatments for obesity, evaluating its prevalence and treatment practices are key to develop a holistic management of PAD. We aimed to examine prevalence of obesity and variability of management strategies in symptomatic PAD patients enrolled in the international multicenter PORTRAIT registry from 2011 to 2015. Obesity management strategies studied included weight and/or dietary counseling and prescription of weight loss medications (orlistat, lorcaserin, phentermine-topiramate, naltrexone-buproprion, and liraglutide). Use frequency of obesity management strategies were calculated by country and compared across centers using adjusted median odds ratios (MOR). Of 1002 patients included, 36 % had obesity. No patients received weight loss medications. Weight and/or dietary counseling was prescribed in only 20 % of patients with obesity with significant variability in practices between centers (range 0.0–39.7 %; MOR 3.6, 95 % CI 2.04–9.95, p = < 0.001). In conclusion, obesity is a prevalent modifiable comorbidity in PAD that is hardly addressed during PAD management, with significant variability across practices. As obesity prevalence rates are growing, along with treatment modalities to treat it, especially in those with PAD, building systems to integrate systematic evidence-based weight and dietary management strategies in PAD are essential to close this gap in care.

Exploring body dissatisfaction in pregnancy and the association with gestational weight gain, obesity, and weight stigma

ObjectiveBody dissatisfaction in pregnancy has been associated with negative psychological maternal outcomes, including increased risk of postpartum depression. This study aimed to explore weight-related factors that influence body dissatisfaction in pregnancy, including gestational weight gain (GWG), weight stigma, obesity, and weight loss attempts before pregnancy. DesignSecondary analysis of a larger cross-sectional study. SettingOnline survey administered via Qualtrics. Participants≥12 weeks pregnant, ≥18 years of age, having a singleton pregnancy and residing in Canada. Measurements and FindingsA battery of questionnaires were completed, including the Body Image in Pregnancy Scale (BIPS) sub-scale. The BIPS scores were compared based on experiences of weight stigma in pregnancy, perception towards their GWG, weight loss attempts before pregnancy, obesity, and GWG category classified as excessive or not referring to Institute of Medicine (2009) guidelines. Significant differences were entered into a linear regression model with BIPS scores as the dependent variable. Significance was accepted as p<0.05. A total of 182 participants completed the survey. There were no differences in BIPS scores based on GWG category (p = 0.160), or obesity (p = 0.230). Poorer BIPS scores were reported by those who felt they had gained ‘too much’ pregnancy weight than ‘appropriate’ (p<0.001), and among those who were trying to lose weight before pregnancy compared to those who were not (p = 0.002). Poorer BIPS scores were also reported by individuals who indicated they had experienced weight stigma during pregnancy compared to those who had not (p<0.001). Regression results showed that significant variables were perceptions towards GWG (p = 0.003) and experiencing weight stigma in pregnancy (p = 0.011). Key Conclusions and Implications for PracticePerceptions towards GWG and experiencing weight stigma can influence body dissatisfaction in pregnancy. Given the detrimental physical and psychological consequences of body dissatisfaction, effective strategies to reduce prenatal weight stigma are needed, such as training maternal healthcare providers to offer sensitive preconception and prenatal weight counselling.

The global agenda on obesity: what does this mean for Singapore?

The global agenda on obesity: what does this mean for Singapore?

Abstract 14944: Comorbid Obesity in Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease: A Modifiable Factor Associated With Health Status

Introduction: Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for peripheral artery disease (PAD). While highly prevalent, the association between obesity and health status outcomes in PAD has not been studied. We aim to summarize obesity management and its association with health status in patients with PAD. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of patients with symptomatic PAD from the international multicenter PORTRAIT registry. Body mass index (BMI) was analyzed continuously (per 10kg/m2) and categorically as underweight (BMI &lt; 18.5 kg/m 2 ), normal weight (BMI 18.5 - 24.9 kg/m 2 ), overweight (BMI 25 - 29.9 kg/m 2 ) and obesity (BMI &gt; 30 kg/m 2 ). Obesity management strategies included diet or weight counseling and anti-obesity medications. Disease-specific health status was assessed with the Peripheral Artery Questionnaire (PAQ) (range=0-100, higher scores indicate better health status). Linear regression models examined the association between obesity and both baseline and 12-month PAQ summary scores. Results: Obesity was present in 37% (370/989) of patients (mean age 68.0 + 9.1 years, 40.1% female). No patients received anti-obesity medications. Weight and/or diet counseling were prescribed in only 12% of overweight and in 21% of patients with obesity. BMI (per 10 kg/m 2 ) was associated with worse PAQ summary scores at baseline (-5.7, 95% CI -8.0 to -3.5, p &lt;0.01) and 12 months (-7.8, 95% CI -12.3 to -3.4, p &lt;0.01) in unadjusted and models adjusting for medical comorbidities and PAD-associated factors. This was consistent when obesity was compared categorically to normal/overweight at baseline (mean difference = -7.2, 95% CI -10.4 to -4.1, p&lt; 0.01) and at 12 months (-7.4, 95% CI -11.4 to -3.5, p&lt; 0.01). Conclusions: Obesity is a potentially modifiable comorbidity in PAD that is currently under addressed and a strong correlate of PAD-specific health status following PAD diagnosis and treatment.

Evidence and consensus-based clinical practice guidelines for management of overweight and obesity in midlife women: An AIIMS-DST initiative.

Evidence and consensus-based clinical practice guidelines for management of overweight and obesity in midlife women: An AIIMS-DST initiative.

Pediatrician Adherence to Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of High Blood Pressure

To assess pediatrician adherence to the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics' clinical practice guideline for high blood pressure (BP). Pediatric primary care practices (n=59) participating in a quality improvement collaborative submitted data for patients with high BP measured between November 2018 and January 2019. Baseline data included patient demographics, BP, body mass index (BMI), and actions taken. Logistic regression was used to test associations between patient BP level and BMI with provider adherence to guidelines (BP measurement, counseling, follow-up, evaluation). A total of 2677 patient charts were entered for analysis. Only 2% of patients had all BP measurement steps completed correctly, with fewer undergoing 3-limb and ambulatory BP measurement. Overall, 46% of patients received appropriate weight, nutrition, and lifestyle counseling. Follow-up for high BP was recommended or scheduled in 10% of encounters, and scheduled at the appropriate interval in 5%. For patients presenting with their third high BP measurement, 10% had an appropriate diagnosis documented, 2% had appropriate screening laboratory tests conducted, and none had a renal ultrasound performed. BMI was independently associated with increased odds of counseling, but higher BP was associated with lower odds of counseling. Higher BP was independently associated with an increased likelihood of documentation of hypertension. In this multisite study, adherence to the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics' guideline for high BP was low. Given the long-term health implications of high BP in childhood, it is important to improve primary care provider recognition and management. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03783650.

Addressing the gaps in nutritional care before and during pregnancy.

The present paper outlines current issues in the nutritional care of women during pregnancy and potential resources to address them. Globally, overnutrition, undernutrition and nutritional imbalances are widespread among women of reproductive age; increasing the risk of pregnancy complications and non-communicable diseases in both mothers and their children. Most women do not meet dietary guidelines for pregnancy. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends nutrition and weight counselling during pregnancy for all women. However, clinical practices focusing on nutrition vary and there is no consensus on which outcomes are most important for pregnancy nutrition interventions, with little consideration for the 'patient voice'. The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) nutrition checklist is a clinical practice tool that is available for healthcare professionals that will address this issue. The pregnancy nutrition core outcome set will also support advancement of antenatal nutrition by identifying the most critical nutrition-related outcomes from the perspective of healthcare professionals, researchers and women with experience of pregnancy. While poor nutrition can result in adverse outcomes across women of all weight categories, those with obesity may require specialist care to reduce their risk. Obesity is a chronic, progressive, relapsing disease that has high individual variability in its prognosis. The use of obesity staging systems, which consider mental, physical and functional health, can stratify individuals into risk categories and aid in treatment prioritisation in pregnancy. As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, an obesity staging approach may support clinicians, especially those in limited resource settings.

Excessive gestational weight gain: Assessing patients' and providers' perceptions.

To assess counseling practices for gestational weight gain (GWG) among primary care providers (PCPs) at 2 clinics to identify barriers and potential health interventions for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds. Qualitative interviews with data analyzed for emerging themes using a modified grounded theory method. Interviews at the South East Toronto Family Health Team and Flemingdon Health Centre in Toronto, Ont, from September 2016 to February 2018. Family practice obstetric providers and pregnant patients. Semistructured interviews and focus groups were audiorecorded and transcribed. Analysis used a constant comparative approach to identify themes. Patients had a limited understanding of risks associated with excessive GWG and reported infrequent weight counseling by PCPs. Patients at the South East Toronto Family Health Team had high health literacy and were proactive in seeking health information but had difficulty navigating reliable resources. Patients at Flemingdon Health Centre had lower health literacy and more passive interactions with PCPs, relying on family advice and cultural practices to inform health behaviour. Barriers for this group included social isolation and limited funds. Both groups desired increased proactive health counseling and resources. Physicians were knowledgeable about excessive GWG and reported counseling their patients, although patient retention and limited time were barriers. Healthy lifestyle in pregnancy is an important but underemphasized topic in antenatal care owing to barriers faced by patients and physicians, with unique socioeconomic considerations. This gap provides an opportunity to increase education of patients and providers and to develop patient-centred weight management interventions. By contrasting patient groups, our study reflected the importance of addressing social determinants of health in comprehensive care.

52-LB: Weight Management Practices among U.S. Safety-Net Health Center Patients with Diabetes or Other Metabolic Disorders

Introduction: First-line intervention for the metabolic disorders or type 2 Diabetes is lifestyle change, including weight management, diet, and increased physical activity. This study evaluated the associations between health professional (HP) weight discussions and weight management practices among high risk safety-net patients. Methods: Cross-sectional data on adults (aged≥18 years) with self-reported diabetes, hypertension or hyperlipidemia from the 2014 National Health Center Patient Survey (HCPS) was analyzed. The HCPS is a nationally representative survey of patients receiving care at safety-net health centers. Outcome (binary) was whether patients tried to lose weight in prior 12 months. Independent variables were HP discussing the weight problem, talking about weight loss options (i.e., exercise), suggesting a nutritionist visit, or offering weight loss medication. Logistic regression models with complex sampling design was used to test the association between HP weight discussions and the outcome, adjusted for psycho-sociodemographic covariates. Results: Of 3671 patients, 55.5% (n=2039) tried to lose weight in prior 12 months. Women (62.4%) and Hispanic race/ethnicity (62.8%) were associated with a higher prevalence of attempting to lose weight in prior 12 months. In the fully adjusted model, having received HP’s weight discussion (AOR=5.54, 95%CI: 3.59-8.56), suggest exercise (AOR=3.61, 95% CI: 2.37-5.49), and recommend a nutritionist visit (AOR=2.59, 95% CI: 1.67-4.01) were associated for increased likelihood of attempting weight loss. Conclusions: HP advice to lose weight may increase patients’ motivation to lose weight and weight loss behavior. Better training for HPs in delivering high-value care such as brief weight counselling could lead to improved chronic disease health outcomes for safety-net patient populations. Disclosure J. J. Wang: None. Z. Shi: None. A. Yan: None.

Using a brief web-based 5A intervention to improve weight management in primary care: results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe primary health care setting is considered a major starting point in successful obesity management. However, research indicates insufficient quality of weight counseling in primary care. Aim of the present study was to implement and evaluate a 5A online tutorial aimed at improving weight management and provider-patient-interaction in primary health care. The online tutorial is a stand-alone low-threshold minimal e-health intervention for general practitioners based on the 5As guidance for obesity management by the Canadian Obesity Network.MethodsIn a cluster-randomized controlled trial, 50 primary care practices included 160 patients aged 18 to 60 years with obesity (BMI ≥ 30). The intervention practices had continuous access to the 5A online tutorial for the general practitioner. Patients of control practices were treated as usual. Primary outcome was the patients’ perspective of the doctor-patient-interaction regarding obesity management, assessed with the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care before and after (6/12 months) the training. Treatment effects over time (intention-to-treat) were evaluated using mixed-effects linear regression models.ResultsMore than half of the physicians (57%) wished for more training offers on obesity counseling. The 5A online tutorial was completed by 76% of the physicians in the intervention practices. Results of the mixed-effects regression analysis showed no treatment effect at 6 months and 12 months’ follow-up for the PACIC 5A sum score. Patients with obesity in the intervention group scored lower on self-stigma and readiness for weight management compared to participants in the control group at 6 months’ follow-up. However, there were no significant group differences for weight, quality of life, readiness to engage in weight management, self-stigma and depression at 12 months’ follow-up.ConclusionTo our knowledge, the present study provides the first long-term results for a 5A-based intervention in the context of the German primary care setting. The results suggest that a stand-alone low-threshold minimal e-health intervention for general practitioners does not improve weight management in the long term. To improve weight management in primary care, more comprehensive strategies are needed. However, due to recruitment difficulties the final sample was smaller than intended. This may have contributed to the null results.Trial registrationThe study has been registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (Identifier: DRKS00009241, Registered 3 February 2016).

What Puts The “Morbid” in Morbidity: A Call to Reform the Way we Address Weight in the Exam Room

In 2003, U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) made the first official recommendation that clinicians ought to “screen all adult patients for obesity and offer intensive counseling and behavioral interventions to promote sustained weight loss for obese adults.”13 Since then, number of patients who meet the clinical definition of overweight or obese has continued to increase. Indeed, the most recent statistics show that 80% of adults and 1/3 of children are now classified as overweight or obese and weight counseling is therefore likely to be experienced by most patients in the exam room. This essay is a commentary on medicine’s history with bias against overweight individuals and why the current approach to weight management is harmful instead of helpful, supported with anecdotes from my own experiences. Indeed, as a medical student whose experienced overweight-bias as both a patient and a medical trainee, and I am calling for reform in the way we have conversations about weight in the exam room because it represents an opportunity to avoid morbid consequences for a population that is being actively harmed by biased communication skills.

'Water dripping on a stone': a feasibility study of a healthy weight management conversation approach in routine general practice consultations.

Primary health care has an important role to play in the management of weight and yet discussions of healthy weight management do not occur optimally, indicating a need for simple tools and training in brief weight counselling. The 'FABS' approach (focusing on four topic areas: Food, Activity, Behaviour and Support) was developed to address this. To explore the feasibility of the 'FABS' approach within routine general practice consultations and its effectiveness in facilitating healthy weight conversations. The FABS approach was run for a trial period in five New Zealand general practices. The approach entailed staff training, the addition to the practice patient management system of a template outlining potential topics for discussion and a patient handout. GPs were asked to use the approach with any adult patient with a body mass index of over 28 kg/m2. A descriptive analysis of anonymized quantitative practice data was conducted, with limited qualitative data from an online clinician questionnaire and interviews with GPs and patients. Over 4 months, the template was opened 862 times by 27 clinicians in 830 patient consultations. All FABS topics were raised at least once. Physical activity was raised most frequently, followed by two food-related topics. There was variation between practices and between GPs. GPs tended to raise more topics within a single consultation than the training recommended. The limited clinician survey results and patient interviews also indicated positive responses to the approach. It is possible to provide an infrastructure for healthy weight conversation approaches within general practice so that patients receive supportive and consistent messages on a regular basis. General practice is an appropriate setting for this due to the ongoing relationships with patients and team-based approach, but there is a need for effective training and education to ensure appropriate and effectively delivery.

Preventive Care and Chronic Disease Management Comparison of Appalachian and Non-Appalachian Community Health Centers in the United States.

IntroductionThe Appalachian region is often characterized by poor health outcomes and economic depression. Health centers (HCs) are community-based and patient-directed organizations that deliver comprehensive, culturally competent, high-quality primary healthcare services in high need areas, including Appalachia, where economic, geographic, or cultural factors can hinder access to healthcare services.PurposeThe study compares the clinical quality performance in preventive care and chronic disease management between Appalachian HCs and their non-Appalachian counterparts.MethodsUsing 2015 Uniform Data System (UDS) health center data, bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses examine the association of Appalachian HC with performance on preventive and chronic care clinical quality measures (CQMs).ResultsIn the multivariate analysis, patients served at Appalachian HCs are more likely to receive colorectal cancer screening and pediatric weight assessment and counseling than at non-Appalachian HCs. No statistically significant differences in performance observed among other CQMs. The percentage of Medicaid patients and total physician FTEs have positive associations with preventive care in colorectal and cervical cancer screening, pediatric weight assessment and counseling, and tobacco screening and cessation intervention as well as chronic disease management of aspirin therapy for ischemic vascular disease and hypertension control in the multivariate model.ImplicationsOverall Appalachian HCs perform as well as or better than non-Appalachian HCs in delivering preventive and chronic care services. Further examination of clinical quality improvement programs, insurance payer mix, and practice size among Appalachian HCs could advance the replication of clinical quality success for clinics in similar underserved communities.

Impact of health information technology optimization on clinical quality performance in health centers: A national cross-sectional study.

Delivery of preventive care and chronic disease management are key components of a high functioning primary care practice. Health Centers (HCs) funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have been delivering affordable and accessible primary health care to patients in underserved communities for over fifty years. This study examines the association between health center organization's health information technology (IT) optimization and clinical quality performance. Using 2016 Uniform Data System (UDS) data, we performed bivariate and multivariate analyses to study the association of Meaningful Use (MU) attestation as a proxy for health IT optimization, patient centered medical home (PCMH) recognition status, and practice size on performance of twelve electronically specified clinical quality measures (eCQMs). Bivariate analysis demonstrated performance of eleven out of the twelve preventive and chronic care eCQMs was higher among HCs attesting to MU Stage 2 or above. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that Stage 2 MU or above, PCMH status, and larger practice size were positively associated with performance on cancer screening, smoking cessation counseling and pediatric weight assessment and counseling eCQMs. Organizational advancement in MU stages has led to improved quality of care that augments HCs patient care capacity for disease prevention, health promotion, and chronic care management. However, rapid technological advancement in health care acts as a potential source of disparity, as considerable resources needed to optimize the electronic health record (EHR) and to undertake PCMH transformation are found more commonly among larger HCs practices. Smaller practices may lack the financial, human and educational assets to implement and to maintain EHR technology. Accordingly, targeted approaches to support small HCs practices in leveraging economies of scale for health IT optimization, clinical decision support, and clinical workflow enhancements are critical for practices to thrive in the dynamic value-based payment environment.