چکیده (انگلیسی):

Background:Referral for both lifestyle and surgical interventions are recommended as part of the clinical
management of obesity in general practice. However, current practice falls short of this. This qualitative study
aimed to describe the factors influencing general practitioners’ (GPs) referral intentions for their obese patients.
Methods:Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 24 GPs from four geographically different
areas in New South Wales, Australia about the management of their obese patients. Aqualitative analysis was
applied using inductive thematic analysis.
Results:The predominant factors influencing GPs’ referral were their own attitudes and experience, and their
patient’s motivation. Lifestyle intervention Referrals were usually initiated by GPs and influenced by their
patients and the local health system. Referrals to conduct bariatric surgery were frequently initiated by the
patient and influenced by GPs’ limited previous experience, patients’ expectations and ability to pay, as well as
professional and legal issues. There was no strong link between referral and the remoteness of areas or the
availability of surgical referral services.
Conclusion:There were differences between GPs reported referral behaviour for lifestyle and surgical
interventions. GPs’ attitudes to referral were often formed by their limited case experience rather than by a
review of more systematic evidence, especially for surgical interventions. These patterns may be improved by
educating and better communicating with GPs about the outcomes for their patients when they are referred.