Facing obesity: Adapting the collaborative deliberation model to deal with a complex long-term problem

Area of Science:

• Primary Care
• Obesity Management
• Health Communication

Background:

• Effective obesity care requires addressing complex biopsychosocial factors.
• The collaborative deliberation model emphasizes empathic communication and shared decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how primary care practitioners can utilize the collaborative deliberation model.
• To achieve shared obesity assessment and care planning.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving direct observation of clinical encounters.
• Semi-structured interviews with patients and providers, patient journals, and follow-up interviews.
• Thematic analysis comparing findings to the original collaborative deliberation model.

Main Results:

• Five key processes were identified for collaborative deliberation in obesity care: exploring, reframing, co-constructing stories, prioritizing, and experimenting with alternatives.
• These processes enhance the original collaborative deliberation model.

Conclusions:

• An enhanced collaborative deliberation model for obesity care has been proposed.
• This model details the interpersonal work essential for effective obesity management.
• The enhanced model facilitates meaningful conversations and patient-centered care plans.