چکیده (انگلیسی):

Background:In this review study, we are the first to explore whether the practice nurse (PN) can act as case
manager lifestyle counselling regarding weight management in primary care.
Methods:Multiple electronic databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO) were searched to identify relevant literature after
1995. Forty-five studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In addition, all studies were judged on ten quality criteria by
two independent reviewers.
Results:Especially in the last three years, many studies have been published. The majority of the studies were
positive about PNs’ actual role in primary care. However, several studies dealt with competency issues, including
disagreement on respective roles. Thirteen studies were perceived as high quality. Only few studies had a
representative sample. PNs’ role in chronic disease management is spreading increasingly into lifestyle counselling.
Although PNs have more time to provide lifestyle counselling than general practitioners (GPs), lack of time still
remains a barrier. In some countries, PNs were rather ambiguous about their role, and they did not agree with GPs
on this.
Conclusion:The PN can play the role of case manager lifestyle counselling regarding weight management in
primary care in the UK, and wherever PNs are working under supervision of a GP and a primary health care team is
already developed with agreement on roles. In countries in which a primary health care team is still in
development and there is no agreement on respective roles, such as the USA, it is still the question whether the
PN can play the case manager role.