Abstract
Understanding that excess body weight can increase disability and limit daily occupations, occupational therapists must consider how to support patients with weight management within a larger health care system. To develop a clinical tool for health care professionals to (a) support referrals to occupational therapists to address weight management and (b) assess priorities for weight management interventions. This research utilized a co-design process with six occupational therapists from primary care to design a screening tool prototype. The design process revealed three challenges to supporting patients with excess body weight that were addressed through the design elements of the screening tool: (a) weight is a “sticky” topic, (b) negative messaging around weight can adversely impact patient care, and (c) occupational therapy involvement in weight management is impacted by a lack of referrals. This design process yielded the Occupational Therapy Health Routines Screening Tool prototype.
Plain Language Summary
Excess body weight affects an increasing number of people worldwide and can affect individuals’ abilities to engage in meaningful occupations. Therefore, it is important for occupational therapists to consider how to help patients with weight management challenges. Occupational therapy tools and assessments for helping patients with weight management are limited. Therefore, this research was done to create a screening tool to identify lifestyle behaviors that can lead to obesity. The screening tool was designed to be used by health care providers to identify potential intervention areas and support referrals to occupational therapy when needed. This study involved discussions with occupational therapists to identify patient and clinician needs to create an effective screening tool. The results of these discussion groups informed the development of the Occupational Therapy Health Routines Screening Tool.
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