Introduction: In Australia, the annual number of bariatric weight loss surgeries is increasing. The most common procedure is laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), with over 80% now performed in the private healthcare system. The healthcare support that bariatric surgery patients receive during the pre and post-operative stages can influence short and long-term weight loss outcomes. However, the additional costs of frequent follow-up and monitoring, travel and transport issues in both urban and rural areas, and access to healthcare services in Australia may have implications for the Australian bariatric patient. There are no studies to date that have explored the perception or experience of healthcare services for Australian bariatric surgery patients’ receiving LSG.
Methodology: Using a mixed method approach two exploratory studies (interviews n = 20 and survey n = 520) were conducted to investigate the patients experience and perception of bariatric surgery within the Australian private sector. Data collected were: demographics, the type, frequency and duration of healthcare services, barriers to access and delivery of healthcare, weight loss and weight regain.
Major findings: The type, frequency and duration of healthcare services provided to bariatric surgery patients vary considerably. The referral pathway is predominantly patients’ driven (75%) not medically driven. In the pre-operative stage less than 15% of bariatric surgery patients receive the healthcare services recommended in the clinical guidelines. In the post-operative stage less than 5% of bariatric surgery patients receive the healthcare services recommended in the clinical guidelines. Patients’ report many barriers to the access and delivery of bariatric surgery healthcare. Patients described a need for further support, particularly psychological support. As a consequence of inadequate healthcare support, 45% of participants were still struggling to make lifestyle changes, and 47% had regained weight.
Conclusion summary: The healthcare support provided to Australian bariatric surgery patients does not meet clinical guidelines. Many patients are not achieving or retain weight loss targets following surgery and the healthcare needs of Australia bariatric surgery patients are not being met.