Criteria-based protocols and the obese patient: planning care for a high-risk population

The prevalence of obesity in the United States continues to increase. Well-recognized obesity-related health problems pose many challenges in the acute care facility. These challenges include not only physical barriers and complications, but also concern for the well-being of caregivers. Despite these problems, little pre-planning of resources occurs. Barriers to bariatric protocol development are discussed, and strategies for overcoming these barriers with attention to preventing caregiver injury, optimizing patient care, and limiting associated costs are reviewed. A description of an interdisciplinary criteria-based bariatric protocol is included. With adequate and appropriate pre-planning, the challenge of providing bariatric care can be met.