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Barriers and facilitators to health care professionals discussing child weight with parents: A meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies
Author(s) -
Bradbury Daisy,
Chisholm Anna,
Watson Paula M.,
Bundy Christine,
Bradbury Nicola,
Birtwistle Sarah
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
british journal of health psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.05
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 2044-8287
pISSN - 1359-107X
DOI - 10.1111/bjhp.12312
Subject(s) - cinahl , psychological intervention , qualitative research , dieticians , psychology , thematic analysis , interpersonal communication , context (archaeology) , nursing , weight management , medline , health care , medicine , obesity , social psychology , overweight , economics , economic growth , social science , paleontology , sociology , political science , law , biology
Childhood obesity is one of the most serious global public health challenges. However, obesity and its consequences are largely preventable. As parents play an important role in their children's weight‐related behaviours, good communication between parents and health care professionals ( HCP s) is essential. This systematic review provides a meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies exploring the barriers and facilitators experienced by HCP s when discussing child weight with parents. Methods Searches were conducted using the following databases: MEDLINE ( OVID ), Psych INFO ( OVID ), EMBASE ( OVID ), Web of Knowledge and CINAHL . Thirteen full‐text qualitative studies published in English language journals since 1985 were included. Included studies collected data from HCP s (e.g., nurses, doctors, dieticians, psychologists, and clinical managers) concerning their experiences of discussing child weight‐related issues with parents. An inductive thematic analysis was employed to synthesize findings. Findings Emerging subthemes were categorized using a socio‐ecological framework into intra/interpersonal factors, organizational factors, and societal factors. Perceived barriers and facilitators most commonly related to intra/interpersonal level factors, that is, relating to staff factors, parental factors, or professional–parent interactions. HCP s also attributed a number of barriers, but not facilitators, at the organizational and societal levels. Conclusion The findings of this review may help to inform the development of future weight‐related communication interventions. Whilst intra/interpersonal interventions may go some way to improving health care practice, it is crucial that all stakeholders consider the wider organizational and societal context in which these interactions take place.Statement of contribution What is already known on the subject?Childhood obesity is one of the United Kingdom's most serious current public health challenges. Health care professionals are in a prime position to identify child weight issues during routine consultations. However, they often feel unable or unequipped to raise the topic and provide information on child weight management.What does this study add?To our knowledge, this is the first review to synthesize barriers and facilitators to discussing child weight. This review interprets key barriers and facilitators in the context of the socio‐ecological model. Supports the development of interventions matched to the appropriate level of the socio‐economic model.