Health professionals’ experiences of talking about weight management with overweight patients with knee osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: By 2030, sixty per cent of the world’s adult population could be obese. Overweight or obese is a risk factor for osteoarthritis, notably knee osteoarthritis (KO). Key guidelines recommend health professionals (HPs) provide weight management support and target weight loss in KO patients (2014) as this eases symptoms. However, little is known about weight management communication between HPs and KO patients. The aim was to understand HPs’ experiences of talking about weight management with overweight patients with KO. Methods: 26 semi-structured interviews with a range of HPs who have contact with KO patients (Doctors, Physiotherapists, Nurses, Dieticians). Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: Participants, regardless of discipline, received little or no training in behaviour change, including weight management. Initiating the topic was viewed as sensitive and HPs avoided or ‘disguised’ it. HPs regarded weight management as other people’s responsibility and were pessimistic about their role. Discussion: HPs have an important role in helping patients manage KO symptoms through weight management. However, they currently feel ill-equipped and are not adequately trained.