Patients facing barriers and discrimination when seeking medical care due to their weight is a concerning issue that has been highlighted in a recent study conducted by Northwestern Medicine. The study utilized a “secret-shopper” method to assess the accessibility and willingness of subspecialty clinics to accommodate a hypothetical patient weighing 465 pounds across various metropolitan areas.
Out of the 300 clinics surveyed in the study, 52% lacked basic standards of care for bariatric patients, with 41% declining to schedule an appointment altogether. Otolaryngologists were found to be the least likely to schedule a visit for the patient, despite the urgent need for care indicated by the symptoms provided during the appointment request.
The study revealed that only 39% of practices were fully accessible, with endocrinology practices showing the most willingness to schedule appointments and meet basic standards of care. However, an additional 16% of practices that did schedule appointments offered substandard plans of care, such as requiring the patient to stand during the exam or providing inadequate medical gowns.
Dr. Tara Lagu, the senior author of the study, emphasized the importance of providing inclusive care for all patients, regardless of their weight. She highlighted the impact of discrimination and inadequate accommodations on patients living with severe obesity, stating that such experiences can be humiliating and degrading.
The findings of the study also shed light on the potential consequences of inadequate medical care for patients with obesity, including delays in cancer screenings and other preventive care measures. Dr. Molly Hales, the corresponding author of the study, emphasized the need for clinics to be familiar with accommodations for higher-weight patients and provide staff training on inclusive care practices.
To address these issues, the study authors recommended the use of the Clinical Environment Checklist for Accommodating Patients with Obesity in Ambulatory Care Settings as a resource for clinics to improve accessibility. Additionally, they highlighted the importance of rural clinics being able to accommodate patients with severe obesity, as access to subspecialty care may be limited in these areas.
Overall, the study underscores the need for healthcare providers to prioritize inclusive care practices and ensure that all patients, regardless of their weight, receive the quality medical care they deserve. By addressing barriers and discrimination in healthcare settings, we can work towards creating a more equitable and accessible healthcare system for all individuals.
