Overcoming Barriers to Multidisciplinary, Patient-Centric Bariatric Care

As obesity rates and demand for bariatric surgery and treatment increase, many call for multidisciplinary and patient-centric care. This call is driven by a recognition that obesity is a complex, chronic disease that requires a multifaceted approach, addressing not just the medical, but also the psychological, nutritional, and lifestyle aspects of the patient's health. However, the current healthcare system poses several significant barriers to achieving such care. Among others, barriers include: the costly inefficiency of regular, standard follow-ups that aren't tailored to individual patients' needs, leading to limited insights into patients' health and state, difficulty sharing information, focus on quantity of services, patient misinformation, and the lack of guidance and professional advice for patients.  

Though there is no simple solution to overcoming these challenges, digital therapy could help move bariatric practice towards better and value-based care. This is not just theoretical, but is backed by tangible evidence. A systematic review conducted by Hoffelt and Libert (2022-2023) titled "Using eHealth to monitor the physical activity and nutrition of bariatric patients" provides a comprehensive analysis of how digital therapy can effectively be used in bariatric practice. At moveUP, we specialize in facilitating this change.

According to a study, the prevalence of obesity in Belgium is 21%, but this is not just a Belgian problem. In the US, the CDC reports that the obesity rate is even higher, standing at 42.4% in 2017-2018.

Belgium is, of course, no exception. Obesity is increasing worldwide so fast that the WHO considers it an epidemic. Consequently, the demand for bariatric surgery and treatment is growing. But so are patient demands and expectations.

Many healthcare professionals, patient advocacy groups, and leading medical researchers call for multidisciplinary and patient-centric bariatric care to keep up with these trends. However, there are significant barriers to providing such care in the current healthcare system.

Today, we break down what this means and how digital therapy can help you answer the challenges and improve bariatric care.

Towards multidisciplinary and patient-centric care

Though many people may think of it as a personal choice and lifestyle, obesity has long been recognised as a disease. Nowadays, we understand better than ever how environmental and socio-economic factors play a crucial role in an individual’s health and obesity risks. These factors are outside the control of any individual, making obesity a complex and chronic condition. Thus, the treatment requires a holistic, long-term commitment, planning and support.  

Knowing this, it is easy to see why our approach to obesity treatment is changing towards multidisciplinary and patient-centric care. Let us explain.

We know that obesity affects different areas of a person’s life, and as such, we cannot treat it as an isolated issue. Surgery is a proven, powerful tool, but it is only a part of the weight-loss treatment. A single surgeon cannot guarantee a successful therapy, regardless of their experience and expertise. This treatment and recovery call for a significant lifestyle change and close guidance. Other experts, like dieticians, psychologists and general physicians, play an important role too. More and more hospitals and health centres recognise and embrace the multidisciplinary approach in bariatric surgery. Despite the growing acknowledgment of the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach, it can be costly and challenging to organize. It demands coordination among various professionals and often requires additional resources.

Moreover, the patients' expectations have changed. The patients undergoing surgery have access to more information and better resources. They want more control over their therapy and recovery. They are also looking for a treatment that suits them, their situation, needs and preferences. Because obesity therapy requires a lifestyle change, patient involvement and engagement are essential. A patient-centric approach allows patients to become a part of decision-making regarding their own health.

While many see a value in moving towards long-term, multidisciplinary, and patient-centric care, the reality tells a different story. There are multiple barriers to adopting this approach.

What are the barriers?

Weight-loss surgery and treatment often lack a good collaboration between different practitioners and between a patient and their medical professionals.  

Here are the key barriers to adopting a multidisciplinary and patient-centric approach in bariatric care:

• No continuous follow-ups  

• The lack of insight into patient’s health and state between follow-ups
• Difficult information sharing between different specialists
• Focus on the quantity of services and time burden
• Patient misinformation
• Lack of guidance and access to professional and personal advice

To begin with, bariatric revolves around a set of appointments between the surgeon and a patient. As you know, consultations are crucial. Still, they provide only a snippet into a patient’s state. There is no way of knowing or measuring what is going on with the patient between two appointments. At moveUP we offer a solution that allows for consistent monitoring and personalized guidance in between appointments. To see how this works in practice, feel free to watch this video.  

The surgeon must rely on the scarce information they get from the patient during their short time with them. Other specialists involved might get different information from the patient, and it can be challenging to integrate that when deciding on the further direction of the therapy.  

There is usually little room left to focus on each individual case. The current fee-for-service system pushes surgeons and medical professionals to focus on quantity rather than quality. Hospitals feel pressure to do as many surgeries as possible, making it difficult for surgeons to keep following up with their patients while receiving new ones. That may lead to inefficient, uncoordinated care that too often fails to meet the needs of patients.

Despite greater access to better information, patients encounter misinformation about obesity, health and diet. The limited time they have with surgeons and other healthcare professionals is not enough to combat this. At the same time, patients lack support between the appointments, not getting the advice they need on time.

Typically, the frequency of appointments decreases as the therapy progresses, and the chances of complications go down. Though it makes sense from the medical point of view, it is not always in the patient's best interest. The appointments typically decrease around 9 to 12 months out, which is when the patients’ weight loss begins to slow. Without follow-ups, the patients might start getting discouraged and doubting their new lifestyle.

Of course, there is no single solution to these barriers. Moving from a current and prevalent system to a multidisciplinary and patient-centric weight loss therapy cannot happen overnight but requires a change over time. We at moveUP specialise in facilitating this change.  

How can digital therapy support bariatric surgery practice?

Digital therapy has slowly become a part of standard practice over the years, only accelerated by the recent pandemic. We had recognised this back in 2015 when we first started developing the moveUP digital solution. These are the ways in which we help you move towards personalised, safe, multidisciplinary and patient-centric care.

Daily follow-ups

Patients receive regular follow-up and daily guidance through the moveUP mobile app. They can access exercises and tips, give feedback, and track their progress. They can also chat with a medical team at any time. There is no longer the need to wait for an appointment to ask questions. If needed, we refer them to their doctor or a specialist.  

Insights into patient’s progress

We collect daily feedback and track patients’ activity using a verified activity tracker. You can access this data through our dashboard and follow the patient's physical and mental health during the entire therapy. Our team of medical experts also keeps an eye on every patient and will flag any potential risk or problem on time.  

Easy sharing between different teams

Everybody involved in the patient’s therapy will have access to the data about the patient at all times. That can include professionals outside the bariatric department, like general physicians, psychologists or physiotherapists. There is no need for additional communication or exchange. We make information sharing quick and easy.  

More time for valuable work

Because you can easily access the data at a glance and get a quick report on every patient, you can better prepare for each appointment. We support your communication with patients without additional time burden.

Patients get the correct information and insight

Patients can also track their data and progress, allowing them to understand their therapy. More importantly, we give the correct information and professional advice. We also help them prepare for the surgery and therapy and guide them at every step.

Personalised therapy for each patient

Our medical team keeps an eye on every patient. Combining the data from the activity tracker with patients' daily feedback, they can adjust the therapy accordingly. Every patient gets the right advice, information and amount of exercises tailored to their individual needs.

To sum up, we support you in overcoming the key barriers in your practice: