Evaluation of weight management services provided by dietitians within a community trust

Background: The British Dietetic Association has produced guidelines as to how dietitians should be trying to manage obesity, and locally within Leice stershire Nutrition and Dietetic Service dietitians have set up initiatives to improve obesity management Funding from the Department of Health made i t possible to carry out an evaluation of the weight management services pro vided. Method: A retrospective record card audit of overweight or obese patients w ho had completed an episode of care in a defined time period was carried ou t. In total 167 patient record cards were audited. The patient profile was characterized in terms of gender, age. body mass index (BMI) at start and e nd of treatment, source of referral and reason for referral. Information wa s collected on dietary targets set and achieved. A Patient Satisfaction Sur vey was sent to each patient at the end of the episode of care. Criteria se t for successful weight loss was greater than or equal to 5 kg or 5% starti ng body weight. Success in achieving dietary targets was defined as meeting > 50% of targets Results: In total 50% (n = 83) of patients achieved weight loss of maintain ed their weight. 12% of patients (n = 20) were successful in losing greater than or equal to 5 kg body weight, 38% of patients (n = 63) lost up to 5 k g or stayed the same, 13% of patients (n = 22) gained weight and 19% of pat ients (n = 31) failed to return after the first appointment. Most patients achieved some dietary changes suggested although there was discrepancy betw een reported change by patients which would have been expected to lead to w eight change and actual weight change recorded at the end of treatment. The service offered by the Leicestershire Nutrition & Dietetic Department was generally well received by patients. Conclusions: Further review of methods of managing obese patients within th e time constraints of community clinics is needed. including monitoring and long-term support. and the reliable recording of dietary change.