Identification of needs and attitudes of overweight and obese patients for weight loss therapy: a mix-method analysis in German rehabilitation facilities

Abstract

There is urgent need for effective treatment and coordinated care programmes for the obesity epidemic. Treatment success can only be achieved by a long-term change of behaviour and consideration of patient priorities. This study analysed, treatment needs and expectations of overweight and obese patients in rehabilitation facilities to identify patient-relevant characteristics with regard to long-term weight loss programmes. This was done using a combination of qualitative-procedures [literature analysis, expert-interviews (N = 5), focus-groups (N = 44)] and quantitative-assessment (survey N = 201, explorative factor analyses). The factor analysis (Cronbach’s alpha 0.87–0.55; variance 55.41%) revealed eight patient-relevant factors: ‘knowledge’, ‘varied range of therapy options’, ‘interpersonal care’, ‘individualised therapy planning’, ‘infrastructure quality’, ‘coordinated care’, ‘social interaction’ and ‘technical competence’. Only if the needs and preferences of patients are known, the creation of patie...