Overlooked and under-evidenced: community health and long-term care service needs, utilization, and costs incurred by people with severe obesity

Williamson, K. , Blane, D. N. , Grieve, E. and Lean, M. E. J. (2023) Overlooked and under-evidenced: community health and long-term care service needs, utilization, and costs incurred by people with severe obesity. Clinical Obesity, 13(2), e12570. (doi: 10.1111/cob.12570) (PMID:36447339)

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Abstract

Numbers of people with severe obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2), with need for community health and long-term care (LTC) services, are increasing, but documentation is lacking. We identified individuals with severe obesity known to community health and care professionals in a representative United Kingdom region and used an investigator-administered questionnaire to record needs and use of community health and LTC services. Data were verified against health and LTC records. Local and published sources informed detailed micro-costing. Twenty-five individuals (15 women) consented, aged 40–87 (mean = 62) years, BMI 40–77 (mean = 55) kg/m2: 20 participants (80%) were housebound. Twenty-two different cross-sector community health and LTC services were used, including community equipment service (n = 23), district nursing (n = 20), occupational therapy (n = 14), and LTC (n = 12). Twenty-four (96%) participants used three or more services, with longest care episode lasting over 14 years. Total annual service costs incurred by participants varied from £2053 to £82 792; mean £26 594 (lower estimate £80 064; mean £22 462/upper estimate £88 870; mean £30 726), with greatest costs being for LTC. Individual costs for equipment (currently provided) and home adaptations (ever provided) ranged widely, from zero to £35 946. Total mean annual costs increased by ascending BMI category, up to BMI 70 kg/m2. This study provides a framework with which to inform service provision and economic analysis of weight management interventions. People with severe obesity may need sustained care from multiple community care services. What is already know

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:Kath Williamson was supported by an NHS Research Scotland Career Researcher Clinician award, an NHS Lothian Research Futures Award & All Saints Educational Trust Corporate Award to University of Glasgow.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Blane, Dr David and Lean, Professor Michael and Grieve, Dr Eleanor and Williamson, Kath
Authors: Williamson, K., Blane, D. N., Grieve, E., and Lean, M. E. J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > General Practice and Primary Care
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Clinical Obesity
Publisher:Wiley
ISSN:1758-8103
ISSN (Online):1758-8111
Published Online:29 November 2022
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2022 The Authors
First Published:First published in Clinical Obesity 13(2): e12570
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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