On the Barriers and Enablers to Bariatric Surgery: A Qualitative Study with Bariatric Surgeons

Introduction: Bariatric surgery effectively treats severe obesity; however, publicly funded bariatric surgery in Australia and New Zealand is limited. Bariatric surgeons play an important role in deciding individuals' suitability for surgery. This study explored Australian and New Zealand bariatric surgeons' views on barriers and enablers to bariatric surgery.

Sixteen bariatric surgeons and registrars across Australia and New Zealand were interviewed in 2023 about their opinions on barriers and enablers to bariatric surgery. Conventional qualitative content analysis was used to synthesise the data.

Eight content categories originated from the analysis: (1) patient characteristics; (2) factors related to a patient's residential location; (3) economic factors; (4) lifestyle factors; (5) health-related factors; (6) surgery-related fears and concerns; (7) social factors; and (8) institutional and organisational factors. Surgical demand and supply issues were salient in discussions about the pre-operative process and patient (non)progression to surgery. Patients' financial circumstances were similarly emphasised. Societal values and norms, including gender stereotypes, were featured, and the role of close others was substantiated, with patients' families and friends considered both barriers and enablers to surgery.

Participants discussed more barriers than enablers to bariatric surgery. Their views generally aligned with the patient-based literature; however, the qualitative nature of the study allowed for the perceived reasons underlying the barriers and enablers to be explored. Findings offer potential avenues for modifying the pre-operative process to better support patients' needs and promote equity in access to surgery.