To develop and evaluate a Pacific-led preoperative weight loss surgery program aimed at improving retention rates and patient experience for Pacific patients, while addressing specific barriers to care.
Key Findings:
Pacific populations have the highest obesity rates and lowest engagement in weight loss surgery in NZ, highlighting a critical need for targeted interventions.
73% of Pacific patients dropped out before surgery in a major program, with even higher rates for Pacific males, indicating significant barriers to care.
The co-designed program included community-based sessions, Pacific facilitators, and role models, which improved patient engagement and retention.
Interpretation:
The study highlights the need for culturally tailored approaches in healthcare to improve engagement and outcomes for Pacific patients in weight loss surgery programs, suggesting that such strategies can lead to better healthcare experiences.
Limitations:
The study was limited to patients within the Auckland District Health Board catchment area, which may affect the applicability of the findings to other regions.
Findings may not be generalizable to other ethnic groups or regions, limiting the broader impact of the study.
Conclusion:
The Pacific-led preoperative program shows promise in enhancing retention and satisfaction among Pacific patients, suggesting that culturally relevant support structures can significantly impact healthcare outcomes and should be considered in broader healthcare practices.
by Tamasin Ariana Taylor, Grant Beban, Elaine Yi, Michael Veukiso, Genevieve Sang-Yum, Ofa Dewes, Wendy Wrapson, Nalei Taufa, Andrew R. T. Campbell, Richard J. Siegert, Peter Shepherd
