Characteristics of patients potentially eligible for pharmacotherapy for weight loss in primary care practice in the United States

Primary care providers (PCPs) in the United States work in challenging environments and may be at risk for burnout. This article identifies the predictors and outcomes of burnout among PCPs in the United States. A comprehensive literature search of eight databases was conducted to identify studies investigating predictors or outcomes of PCP burnout. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s critical appraisal checklists for cross-sectional and cohort studies were used for quality appraisal. Overall, 21 studies met inclusion criteria, had sufficient quality, reported personal and/or organizational predictors of burnout, and described burnout outcomes at the patient, provider, or organizational level. Prevalence of PCP burnout ranged from 13.5% to 60%. The primary care practice environment was the most common predictor of PCP burnout. In conclusion, developing interventions to improve the practice environment may help reduce PCP burnout. Future studies using robust study designs and standardized instruments to consistently measure burnout are needed.

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The effect of a primary care-based Medical Weight Loss Program on weight loss and anthropomorphic metrics

Family Practice ◽

10.1093/fampra/cmaa050 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Vivienne A Rose ◽

Elena N Klyushnenkova ◽

Min Zhang ◽

Verlyn O Warrington

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Weight Loss ◽

Care Setting ◽

Primary Care Practice ◽

Primary Care Setting ◽

Weight Loss Program ◽

Care Practice ◽

Control Group ◽

Baseline Weight ◽

Medical Weight Loss

Abstract Background Diet and lifestyle intervention programs have been shown to be effective in decreasing obesity/overweight and many associated comorbidities in specialty research settings. There is very little information however as to the efficacy of such programs conducted in usual/typical primary care practices. We analysed effectiveness of the Medical Weight Loss Program (MWLP) designed to specifically address overweight/obesity in the setting of an urban academic primary care practice. Objective To determine whether participation in the MWLP within a general primary care setting can result in weight loss. Methods A retrospective medical chart review of patients treated in MWLP and a control group of patients with obesity receiving regular care in the general primary care setting. From the practice database (1 April 2015–31 March 2016), 209 patients (≥18 years old) who participated in the MWLP were identified; 265 controls were selected from the remaining population based on the presence of the obesity-related diagnoses. Results MWLP patients lost on average 2.35 ± 5.88 kg in 6 months compared to their baseline weight (P < 0.0001). In contrast, the control group demonstrated a trend of gaining on average 0.37 ± 6.03 kg. Having three or more visits with the MWLP provider within 6 months after program initiation was the most important factor associated with successful loss of at least 5% of the baseline weight. Weight loss also correlated with a decrease in abdominal girth. Conclusion MWLP integrated into the general primary care practice may potentially be an effective model for managing obesity and related morbidities.

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