“A kick-start… but a long-term effort.” Patient care practices alongside intragastric balloon procedures : -a qualitative study on clinical dietitians’ perspectives-

Abstract: Background: There are treatments available to manage overweight and obesity (O&O). Intragastric balloons (IGB) are one option; they fill the stomach, increasing the sensation of satiety, limiting the amount of food to be ingested, and thus leading to weight loss. However, data suggest that patients regain weight long-term after an IGB treatment. As IGB is a relatively recent procedure for O&O, there is limited information about patient care practices alongside treatment, and whether could explain success or failure to maintain weight loss long-term.  Objective: The aim of the study was to explore clinical dietitians’ perspectives on patient care practices alongside IGB procedures. Method: Six semi-structured qualitative interviews were recorded, transcribed, and explored using qualitative content analysis method, which resulted in three categories. Results: The results showed that the clinical dietitians had many practices in place to condition patients before treatment. Screening the patient, balloon role information, and setting realistic expectations were considered essential practices. The involvement of a multi-disciplinary team was viewed as a critical factor to ensure engagement and follow-up with patients. The findings showed a high level of variability of frequency and contact during treatment and after balloon removal. Developing patients’ self-efficacy through practices like motivational coaching, dietary education, and behavioural therapy were also common practices.  Conclusion: Although similar practice patterns were identified, the findings highlighted a high level of variability in practices between respondents’ workplaces. This study was a first attempt to explore dietitians’ perceptions on patient care practices in relation to IGB-treatments, and it is too early to determine whether differences in practices have any impact on long-term weight loss maintenance. These could be the focus of new studies.