Williamson K, Blane DN, Grieve E, Lean MEJ. Overlooked and under-evidenced: Community health and long-term care service needs, utilization, and costs incurred by people with severe obesity.
Clin Obes 2023;
13:e12570. [PMID:
36447339 DOI:
10.1111/cob.12570]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Numbers of people with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 ), with need for community health and long-term care (LTC) services, are increasing, but documentation is lacking. We identified individuals with severe obesity known to community health and care professionals in a representative United Kingdom region and used an investigator-administered questionnaire to record needs and use of community health and LTC services. Data were verified against health and LTC records. Local and published sources informed detailed micro-costing. Twenty-five individuals (15 women) consented, aged 40-87 (mean = 62) years, BMI 40-77 (mean = 55) kg/m2 : 20 participants (80%) were housebound. Twenty-two different cross-sector community health and LTC services were used, including community equipment service (n = 23), district nursing (n = 20), occupational therapy (n = 14), and LTC (n = 12). Twenty-four (96%) participants used three or more services, with longest care episode lasting over 14 years. Total annual service costs incurred by participants varied from £2053 to £82 792; mean £26 594 (lower estimate £80 064; mean £22 462/upper estimate £88 870; mean £30 726), with greatest costs being for LTC. Individual costs for equipment (currently provided) and home adaptations (ever provided) ranged widely, from zero to £35 946. Total mean annual costs increased by ascending BMI category, up to BMI 70 kg/m2 . This study provides a framework with which to inform service provision and economic analysis of weight management interventions. People with severe obesity may need sustained care from multiple community care services.
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