Original articleFeasibility and acceptability of an integrated behavioral medicine service within a post–bariatric surgery clinic
Section snippets
Methods
Data for the present study were collected during a newly created integrated clinic for patients scheduled for surgical follow-up after bariatric surgery. The project was determined to be quality improvement, which was certified by the institutional review board. This clinic was piloted within a large digestive disease department with a longstanding, high-volume bariatric surgery program. The clinic is part of a major academic health center in the southeastern United States. The pilot integrated
Demographic characteristics
From September 2016 to March 2018, of 202 patients who attended visits during the designated time period, 198 patients were screened using the psychosocial screener. The 4 screeners not administered were due to human error (e.g., check-in nurse forgot to administer the screener). All patients were post–bariatric surgery (RYGB, SG, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, or laparoscopic adjustable gastric band) and were seen as part of their routine follow-up. The majority of patients
Discussion
Results of this program development project support the feasibility and patient acceptability of providing integrated behavioral medicine services in a post-WLS follow-up clinic. This suggests that applying the CCM to WLS populations is beneficial for patient care practices, particularly as it relates to the value of integrated, multidisciplinary care. Of note, 40% of patients screened for psychosocial concerns were seen for a same-day consultation visit by a behavioral medicine provider. This
Conclusions
This study provides initial support for both the feasibility and acceptability of using an integrated treatment model with post-WLS patients as part of their regular follow-up visits. Consistent with the CCM, this treatment model allows for increased access to care, earlier intervention with lower level of severity concerns, and targeted behavioral interventions for commonly reported concerns in a post-WLS population. Patients reported high levels of satisfaction with the model and confidence
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Molly Jones, R.D.N., L.D., Amanda Peterson, R.D.N., L.D., and Nina Crowley, Ph.D., R.D.N., L.D., for their instrumental support and involvement in building and sustaining the integrated clinic.
Disclosures
The authors have no commercial associations that might be a conflict of interest in relation to this article.
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