Open AccessClinical Care Providers’ Perspectives on Body Size and Weight Management Among Long-Term Cancer Survivors
Author(s) -
Allison M. Baker,
Katherine Clegg Smith,
Kisha Coa,
Kathy J. Helzlsouer,
Laura E. Caulfield,
Kimberly S. Peairs,
Lillie D. Shockney,
Ann C. Klassen
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
integrative cancer therapies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.73
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1552-695X
pISSN - 1534-7354
DOI - 10.1177/1534735415572882
Subject(s) - weight management , medicine , qualitative research , weight loss , population , family medicine , interpersonal communication , nursing , psychology , obesity , environmental health , social psychology , social science , sociology
Objective. To examine clinical care providers’ perspectives on cancer survivors’ body size and weight management. Study Design. In-depth, semi-structured, qualitative interviews. Methods. Interviews were conducted with 33 providers (eg. oncologists, surgeons, primary care providers, nurses, dietitians) across academic and community clinical settings. They were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically using constant comparative analysis. Results. Providers conceptualized weight in relation to acute treatment, cancer outcomes, or overall health/comorbidities. These patterns were reflected in their reported framing of weight discussions, although providers indicated that they counsel patients on weight to varying extents. Perspectives differed based on professional roles and patient populations. Providers reported that survivors are motivated to lose weight, particularly due to comorbidity concerns, but face numerous barriers to doing so. Conclusion. Providers described survivor-level and capacity-level factors influencing survivors’ weight management. Differences by provider type highlighted the role of provider knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs in clinical encounters. Opportunities for research and intervention include developing and disseminating evidence-based clinical resources for weight management among cancer survivors, addressing capacity barriers, and exploring communication strategies at interpersonal and population levels.