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Patient Activation and Weight Management in Primary Care
Abstract
The number of overweight and obese adults is predicted to increase to 65 million by 2030 (Wang, McPherson, Marsh, Gortmaker, & Brown, 2011). It is also predicted the economic and health burdens of obesity in the United States (U.S.) in the next two decades will cost the U.S. an additional $48-66 billion per year due to increased chronic conditions related to obesity (Wang et al., 2011). The purpose of this project was to increase patient activation and readiness to change regarding weight management through the use of an evidence-based educational tool called the 5As of Obesity ManagementTM model of behavior change. The educational tool was taught to Registered Nurse Health Coaches (RNHC) and then utilized in patient encounters. The Wilcoxson signed-rank test, a non-parametric statistical test, was utilized to compare pre and post-intervention patient readiness scores. Project implications may result in primary care providers (PCPs) and other healthcare providers having increased knowledge and confidence in launching a discussion with their patients about weight management along with increased patient activation and motivation to assume a more active role in their own health.