The practice of preoperative patient education in metabolic bariatric surgery: results of a national survey.

Abstract

Background: Few evidence-based studies addressing metabolic and bariatric surgery patient education (MBS-PE) practices exist.

Objective: To examine how preoperative MBS-PE is provided nationally.

Setting: National Certification Program.

Methods: Descriptive analysis of an internet survey distributed in 2021 to integrated health professionals of American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and active Certified Bariatric Nurses.

Results: The sample (n = 269), representing 43 states, was divided into 2 groups: nurses (65.8%) and other integrated health professionals (OIHPs) (34.2%). More than 74% in both groups rated 15 education content areas as "very important" or "extremely important." Content areas were developed "most of time" or "always" (by nurses and OIHP) using clinical experience (79.0% and 75.0%), implementing information from literature (69.3% and 75.3%), and theory (55.4% and 76.1%). Educational materials were delivered through printed materials (95.2%), website/portal (69.5%), and social media (53.2%). Delivery methods (used by nurses and OIHP) included didactic presentation (71.2%, 77.2%), behavioral modification (60.5%, 77.2%), and motivational interviewing delivery (47.5%, 69.6%). Delivery settings were "most of the time" or "always" conducted individually by nurses (76.3%) and OIHP (66.3%). The effectiveness of MBS knowledge acquired through education was evaluated by 62.1%. Informal discussions, written tests, and quality metrics were used predominantly to identify knowledge gaps. A majority perceived preoperative MBS-PE to be moderately or highly related to surgical outcomes.

Conclusions: Results provide insights on preoperative MBS-PE practices from integrated health professionals, offering opportunities for clinicians to reflect on, incorporate recommended practice changes, and research patient education practices using educational constructs of content, delivery methods, knowledge measurement, and clinical outcomes.