Physicians Ill Prepared to Deal With Pbesity Epidemic - Science News

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By law, overweight and obese patients are entitled to the same level of
care as the general public; however, there are reasons to believe this
patient population is not, in some circumstances, receiving optimal care
and advice.

Available data indicates that many physicians do not have the skills and
knowledge to address obesity.

One study found that one-fourth of physicians think that they are not at
all or only slightly competent recommending treatment for obese patients.

As obesity rises, Caulfield notes, so will the number of malpractice suits.

[ Most here are aware that many physicians are pretty ignorant of weight
management issues and science }
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Science News
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...1120130156.htm

Most Physicians Aren't Prepared To Deal With Obesity Epidemic,
Researcher Argues

ScienceDaily (Nov. 21, 2007) — The soaring obesity rates across the
globe have been called the most critical challenge to public health of
the 21st century. A top university researcher argues that most
physicians are not adequately prepared to deal with this obesity epidemic.

In an article published in Canadian Family Physician, University of
Alberta researcher Tim Caulfield examines the vital role physicians play
in managing and identifying obesity and highlights the obstacles these
physicians must overcome when treating obese patients. Caulfield, who is
the Canada Research Chair in Health Law at the U of A and professor and
research director in public health sciences, is recognized as one of the
foremost experts in health law research in Canada.

In North America, physicians have a legal obligation to provide their
patients with a reasonable standard of care, says Caulfield. By law,
overweight and obese patients are entitled to the same level of care as
the general public; however, there are reasons to believe this patient
population is not, in some circumstances, receiving optimal care and advice.

Available data indicates that many physicians do not have the skills and
knowledge to address obesity. According to Caulfield, this could
contribute to substandard care in the way obesity is handled and in the
way obese patients are treated.

"Family physicians play a crucial role in identifying and managing
obesity," says Caulfield. "As the rates of obesity become more
prevalent, we need to recognize and become aware of the issues that can
reduce liability and improve the care of these patients."

Caulfield notes that earlier studies have found that most physicians (83
per cent) were less likely to perform physical examinations on reluctant
obese patients, and 17 per cent admitted reluctance to perform pelvic
exams on obese patients. One study found that one-fourth of physicians
think that they are not at all or only slightly competent recommending
treatment for obese patients.

As obesity rises, Caulfield notes, so will the number of malpractice
suits. "By identifying the legal issues that may come with treating
these patients, it will become easier for family physicians to address
weight management."

Steps should be taken, according to Caulfield, to ensure family
physicians have the skills, tools and resources necessary to satisfy
their legal duties and to optimize their role in managing this complex
public health concern.

Adapted from materials provided by University of Alberta.