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. 2022 Oct 8;19(19):12894.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph191912894.

Assessment and Management of Obesity and Self-Maintenance (AMOS): An Evaluation of a Rural, Regional Multidisciplinary Program

Sarah J Prior  1 , Sharon P Luccisano  2 , Michelle L Kilpatrick  3 , Giuliana O Murfet  2   4
Affiliations

Assessment and Management of Obesity and Self-Maintenance (AMOS): An Evaluation of a Rural, Regional Multidisciplinary Program

Sarah J Prior et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Obesity is common in rural areas, and reduced specialist healthcare access impedes its management. A pilot nurse-practitioner-led Assessment and Management of Obesity and Self-Maintenance (AMOS) Clinic focused on individualised obesity care in people living with type 2 diabetes delivered in a rural setting. This study aimed to explore participant and staff experiences of the multidisciplinary obesity clinic to identify barriers and facilitators to self-care, health, and well-being. A two-stage, mixed-method design was used. Initially, three focus groups involving a sample of AMOS participants and semi-structured staff interviews helped identify key barriers/facilitators. These findings informed a survey delivered to all AMOS participants. Qualitative data were analysed using an inductive two-step thematic networks technique to identify themes. Quantitative data were summarised using descriptive statistics. A total of 54 AMOS participants and 4 staff participated in the study. Four themes were identified to describe AMOS participant experiences': 1. affordability; 2. multidisciplinary care; 3. person-centred care; and 4. motivation. Specialised, multidisciplinary and individualised obesity care available through one clinic facilitated self-care and improved health and well-being. Dedicated multidisciplinary obesity clinics are recommended in rural and remote areas.

Keywords: allied health; barriers to obesity management; diabetes management; motivation for weight loss; nurse practitioner; obesity care model.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Methods and participants. N: whole group; n: sample.
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