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Do Internists, Pediatricians, and Psychiatrists Feel Competent in Obesity Care?

Using a Needs Assessment to Drive Curriculum Design

Journal of General Internal Medicine Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Physicians must effectively evaluate and treat obesity. To design a needs-driven curriculum intended to improve patient outcomes, physicians were surveyed about their self-perceived knowledge and skills.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the expressed needs of residents and faculty regarding obesity care training across three specialties.

DESIGN

The study used a survey given to faculty and residents in General Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry.

METHODS

Survey questions were generated from comprehensive nutrition curriculum and clinical recommendations, administered online, and then organized around a validated behavioral health framework—the 5As (assess, advise, agree, assist, arrange). Analyses were conducted to evaluate differences in perceived knowledge and skills between specialties and across training levels.

RESULTS

From an overall response rate of 65% (65 residents and 250 faculty members), nearly 20% reported inadequate competency in every item with 48% of respondents reporting an inability to adequately counsel patients about common treatment options. Internists reported the lowest competency in arranging referrals and follow-up. Psychiatrists reported the lowest competency in assessment skills.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey demonstrated a critical need for training in specific areas of obesity care. The proposed curriculum targets these areas taking into consideration observed differences across specialties.

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Acknowledgment

We would like to thank the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Academic Administrative Units in Primary Care for funding this project. We would also like to thank Scott Sherman and Mack Lipkin for their help with this manuscript.

Grant Funding: 12-191-1077 Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Academic Administrative Units in Primary Care, 11/05–11/08.

Conflict of Interest

None disclosed.

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Correspondence to Melanie Jay MD.

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Jay, M., Gillespie, C., Ark, T. et al. Do Internists, Pediatricians, and Psychiatrists Feel Competent in Obesity Care?. J GEN INTERN MED 23, 1066–1070 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-008-0519-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-008-0519-y

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