Is the Counterweight Program a feasible and acceptable option for structured weight management delivered by practice nurses in Australia? A mixed-methods study
Jodi Gray A B D , Elizabeth A. Hoon A , Hossein Haji Ali Afzali A , Catherine Spooner B C , Mark F. Harris B C and Jonathan Karnon A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Level 7, 178 North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
B Centre for Obesity Management and Prevention Research Excellence in Primary Health Care (COMPaRE-PHC), c/o CPHCE, University of NSW, Level 3, AGSM Building, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
C Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity (CPHCE), University of NSW, Level 3, AGSM Building, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: jodi.gray@adelaide.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 23(4) 348-363 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY16105
Submitted: 26 August 2016 Accepted: 5 February 2017 Published: 11 May 2017
Journal Compilation © La Trobe University 2017 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND
Abstract
Nurse-led weight management programs, like the Counterweight Program in the United Kingdom, may offer a way for Australian general practices to provide weight management support to adults who are overweight or obese. During Counterweight, nurses provide patients with six fortnightly education sessions and three follow-up sessions to support weight maintenance. This study examined the feasibility, acceptability and perceived value of the Counterweight Program in the Australian primary care setting using a mixed-methods approach. Six practice nurses, from three general practices, were trained and subsidised to deliver the program. Of the 65 patients enrolled, 75% (n = 49) completed the six education sessions. General practitioners and practice nurses reported that the training and resource materials were useful, the program fitted into general practices with minimal disruption and the additional workload was manageable. Patients reported that the program created a sense of accountability and provided a safe space to learn about weight management. Overall, Counterweight was perceived as feasible, acceptable and valuable by Australian practice staff and patients. The key challenge for future implementation will be identifying adequate and sustainable funding. An application to publically fund Counterweight under the Medicare Benefits Schedule would require stronger evidence of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness in Australia.
Additional keywords: general practice, obesity, overweight, primary care.
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