What is it about?
International literature suggests low to moderate level of BMI and weight circumference documentation within primary care settings. Australian studies have reported low levels of BMI but these studies have only been done in metropolitan catchments. BMI recording and waist circumference measurements are recommended clinical guidelines for weight management in general practice. This study aims to assess the recording status of weight management measures among adults presenting to general practices within regional catchments.
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Why is it important?
To date no Australian studies have concentrated on regional or rural catchments to evaluate the documentation of obesity and overweight-specific measurements. This study reveals these patterns for a regional catchment of NSW. This study also identifies key chronic conditions, patients of which are likely to be missing out on weight screening in regional primary care settings.
Perspectives
Recording of weight measures (height, weight, waist circumference) is relatively lower in general practice settings and even more so for patients with mental health conditions and chronic respiratory conditions. Weight management consultations at general practice encounters should be advocated more widely. General practitioners should be supported and provided the relevant tools, resources and skills to undertake weight management discussions with their patients.
Dr Abhijeet Ghosh
Coordinare Ltd
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Depressed, anxious and breathless missing out: Weight screening in general practice in a regional catchment of
N
ew
S
outh
W
ales, Australian Journal of Rural Health, December 2015, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12264.
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