Presenter Information

Tracy MapayeFollow

Start Date

23-8-2019 9:00 AM

Abstract

Background: Obesity is the most prevalent health care problem threatening society today. Nurses play an important role in addressing this pandemic, however, nurses possess negative biases towards patients living with obesity. When nurses perpetuate these biases in the hospital setting, patient care and outcomes are compromised.

Objective: The purpose of this literature review was to explore current research to evaluate the prevalence of nursing biases towards obese patients in the acute care setting, identify its causative factors, determine the potential impact on patient care, and recommend possible evidenced-based solutions for the problem.

Method: An integrative literature review was conducted by an extensive search to evaluate and identify nursing biases in the acute care setting towards obese patients, its impact on patients, and recommended evidence-based solutions. A total of 2 databases were used to acquire relevant sources: PubMed and CINAHL.

Results: Lazy, sloppy, unkempt, unattractive, inactive, noncompliant with treatment, and lacking self-control or willpower were found to be the primary biases towards patients living with obesity in the acute care setting. Research supports that continuing these nursing biases, patient outcomes can be compromised leading to shame, marginalization, and avoidance of healthcare services. Focusing on reduction of obesity biases among nurses, who are the forefront of the healthcare system, can create a supportive environment for this growing patient population and allow for increased effectiveness in care delivery.

Conclusions: This literature review found the significance of the nurses’ attitudes towards over-weight patients creates a threatening environment leading to avoidance of care and other negative patient outcomes. Suspending negative perceptions towards this patient population can provide a welcoming atmosphere for patients to seek out necessary medical attention and improve the effectiveness of the treatment provided, therefore improving quality of care. There is a need, however, to establish effective strategies to decrease the prevalence of these biases towards patients living with obesity in the acute care setting.

Keywords: obesity and attitude of health personnel

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Aug 23rd, 9:00 AM

An Examination of Nursing Biases that Affect Care to Obese Clients: An Integrative Literature Review

Background: Obesity is the most prevalent health care problem threatening society today. Nurses play an important role in addressing this pandemic, however, nurses possess negative biases towards patients living with obesity. When nurses perpetuate these biases in the hospital setting, patient care and outcomes are compromised.

Objective: The purpose of this literature review was to explore current research to evaluate the prevalence of nursing biases towards obese patients in the acute care setting, identify its causative factors, determine the potential impact on patient care, and recommend possible evidenced-based solutions for the problem.

Method: An integrative literature review was conducted by an extensive search to evaluate and identify nursing biases in the acute care setting towards obese patients, its impact on patients, and recommended evidence-based solutions. A total of 2 databases were used to acquire relevant sources: PubMed and CINAHL.

Results: Lazy, sloppy, unkempt, unattractive, inactive, noncompliant with treatment, and lacking self-control or willpower were found to be the primary biases towards patients living with obesity in the acute care setting. Research supports that continuing these nursing biases, patient outcomes can be compromised leading to shame, marginalization, and avoidance of healthcare services. Focusing on reduction of obesity biases among nurses, who are the forefront of the healthcare system, can create a supportive environment for this growing patient population and allow for increased effectiveness in care delivery.

Conclusions: This literature review found the significance of the nurses’ attitudes towards over-weight patients creates a threatening environment leading to avoidance of care and other negative patient outcomes. Suspending negative perceptions towards this patient population can provide a welcoming atmosphere for patients to seek out necessary medical attention and improve the effectiveness of the treatment provided, therefore improving quality of care. There is a need, however, to establish effective strategies to decrease the prevalence of these biases towards patients living with obesity in the acute care setting.

Keywords: obesity and attitude of health personnel

 

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