Occupational therapists lead quality improvement project to improve patient experience for individuals with bariatric needs

Obesity is a chronic disease that affects one in four adult Canadians. 

This has resulted in an increase in the number of bariatric admissions to healthcare facilities – and while obesity is a multifaceted illness, many patients experience weight bias and face stigmas while accessing healthcare.

That’s why Sarah Bingler and a team of occupational therapists at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) are determined to identify how to better serve patients with bariatric needs.

“In healthcare, we are often so focused on tasks and procedures,” expresses Sarah Bingler, occupational therapist at MGH. “But it is important to ensure that we promote kindness, care and compassion in our daily work.”

Sarah explains that patients with bariatric needs often feel anxiety over being shamed for their weight, experience a lack of dignity when medical gowns do not cover them, and can be embarrassed when they are weighed without privacy. Patients are uncomfortable when forced to use beds and chairs that are not the right size.

Sarah is currently completing a Toronto Academic Science Network (TAHSN) Practice Innovation Fellowship Program at Sunnybrook which provides an opportunity for healthcare professionals to lead a quality improvement project.

Sarah and her team plans to explore how to deliver an improved care experience for hospitalized patients with bariatric needs by implementing an education program targeting healthcare provider bias and obesity stigma.

The program started in September and runs until March 2019.

Sarah is working alongside MGH occupational therapy colleagues Nancy Jones, Sandy Cowie, Shawna Funston, Marilyn Wong and occupational therapy assistant Jennifer Manalac.

The plan is to begin staff education in January 2019. The goal is to improve patient experience, decrease stigma and bias and improve staff confidence in caring for all patients.

“The occupational therapists involved with this project were struck by the great need and opportunity to tangibly make a difference in the care we provide for  patients requiring bariatric care,” says Sarah.

“We are hoping that this will be a first step in implementing an improved bariatric care strategy at MGH.”