Title: Identification of needs and attitudes of overweight and obese patients for weight loss therapy: a mix-method analysis in German rehabilitation facilities

Authors: Susanne Bethge; Axel Mühlbacher

Addresses: Institute Health Economics and Healthcare Management, Hochschule Neubrandenburg, Brodaer Straße 2, 17033 Neubrandenburg, Germany ' Healthcare Economics Institute Health Economics and Healthcare Management, Hochschule Neubrandenburg, Brodaer Straße 2, 17033 Neubrandenburg, Germany

Abstract: There is urgent need for effective treatment and coordinated care programmes for the obesity epidemic. Treatment success can only be achieved by a long-term change of behaviour and consideration of patient priorities. This study analysed, treatment needs and expectations of overweight and obese patients in rehabilitation facilities to identify patient-relevant characteristics with regard to long-term weight loss programmes. This was done using a combination of qualitative-procedures [literature analysis, expert-interviews (N = 5), focus-groups (N = 44)] and quantitative-assessment (survey N = 201, explorative factor analyses). The factor analysis (Cronbach's alpha 0.87-0.55; variance 55.41%) revealed eight patient-relevant factors: 'knowledge', 'varied range of therapy options', 'interpersonal care', 'individualised therapy planning', 'infrastructure quality', 'coordinated care', 'social interaction' and 'technical competence'. Only if the needs and preferences of patients are known, the creation of patient-oriented treatment programmes can be ensured. Consideration of patient preferences is intended to improve the long-term motivation of patients, patient experience and quality of care.

Keywords: obesity; patient needs; patient preferences; factor analysis; long-term treatment programmes; patient perspectives; patient attitudes; overweight patients; obese patients; weight loss therapy; Germany; rehabilitation facilities; knowledge; therapy options; interpersonal care; individualised therapy planning; infrastructure quality; coordinated care; social interaction; technical competence.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBHR.2013.058852

International Journal of Behavioural and Healthcare Research, 2013 Vol.4 No.3/4, pp.325 - 342

Received: 23 Feb 2013
Accepted: 04 Oct 2013

Published online: 21 Jun 2014 *

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