Patients' perceptions of a pharmacist-managed weight management clinic in a community setting

There have been many studies demonstrating patients' willingness to pay for medication therapy management services provided by pharmacists. There are few studies, however, evaluating the possible provision of a weight management service in the community pharmacy setting.

The objectives were to (1) determine patients' knowledge of obesity and its resultant health risks, (2) determine patients' beliefs about obesity, (3) determine interest in pharmacist-delivered weight management services, and (4) identify factors associated with knowledge, beliefs, and interest in obesity and/or weight management services.

One thousand patients were selected from 5 community pharmacies under a single chain located within a large metropolitan area to receive a mail survey. Survey items assessed patients' knowledge of obesity and the health risks associated with it by using the Obesity Risks Knowledge Scale and the Obesity Beliefs Scale. Additional survey questions were added to measure patients' willingness to pay for a pharmacist-managed weight management clinic. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models were used in analysis of the data.

Nearly two-thirds (62%) of respondents were classified as overweight or obese based on self-reported height and weight. Most of the respondents demonstrated an average level knowledge regarding the health risks associated with obesity. Attitudes toward obesity were commensurate with prevailing knowledge. Only a small proportion (13%) of respondents were willing to pay out of pocket for a pharmacist-delivered weight management service. Very little variance in knowledge, beliefs, or interest in pharmacist-delivered weight management services were identified.

Despite the fact that patients are aware of the health risks associated with obesity and believe it is healthier to maintain ideal body weight, most are not doing so. Additionally, most patients are not willing to pay for pharmacist-delivered weight management services. The findings can begin to assist pharmacists in developing strategies for implementation of weight management services.