Abstract
Aim: This study explores the experiences of registered nurses working with bariatric patients in an acute hospital setting. The objective of this study was to understand the experiences of the registered nurses and how these may be used to enhance the future delivery of care to the bariatric population within the acute hospital setting.
Background: Obesity is an escalating public health issue. The development of obesity-related comorbidities contributes to the increasing rates of bariatric patients requiring acute hospital admission. Bariatric patients provide registered nurses with clinical challenges and demand a unique skill set of knowledge and the appropriate resources to ensure safe and equitable healthcare delivery. Future enhancement of the service delivery to this population group is pivotal to improving health outcomes.
Method: This research study employed a qualitative descriptive approach to understand the registered nurse participants experiences. Data was gathered by undertaking one-on-one semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data with guidance from Braun and Clarke's six-step method to thematic analysis.
Findings: Four prominent themes were identified from the data. The identified themes were safety, staffing, resources and institutional barriers. These themes were extrapolated from various subthemes.
Future recommendations: This study recommends that any patient deemed bariatric is identified during admission screening. Secondly, this study recommends the implementation of a bariatric starter pack checklist within each specialty area. Thirdly, an audit against current bariatric guidelines is suggested. Lastly, further education is recommended to upskill registered nurses.