Exploring the views and experiences of nursing care from the perspective of persons with obesity. A proposal for a research study influenced by phenomenology.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this research study is to gain insight into the experience of nursing care from the perspective of persons with obesity. The affective elements and influential impact of nurses’ attitudes are considered.of high-quality person-centred care. Further implications for nursing research and educationare discussed throughout the study. Background: In Scotland, over 65 percent of the population are deemed overweight or obese (Scottish Government 2020). Considering this figure and health conditions associated with obesity such as type two diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, people with obesity are frequently admitted as patients to healthcare settings. As nurses, it is important to be prepared to provide high-quality holistic care to all patients and recognise ones’ own biases and preconceptions surrounding obesity. Both empirical and anecdotal evidence have shown the implications faced by patients with obesity on account of nurses’ attitudes and behaviours (Alberga et al. 2016). Nursing professionals are expected to meet high standards of care set out by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018). However, the lack of education, training and support related to obesity has seen a downfall effect in the provision of care towards patients with obesity. This critical review will explore the attitudes, behaviours and perceptions of both nursing staff and patients with obesity to enable a more comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon. Literature review findings: Three reoccurring themes emerged from the analysis of the review: (1) Impact of obesity stigma on healthcare connections (2) Weight bias attitudes among nurses (3) Lack of support for students and practicing nurses. These themes were analysed in the review discussing the effect they had on the experience of nursing care from the patients’ perspective. These findings informed the development of the proposed research design Design: An interpretive phenomenological study will be utilised to explore the experience of nursing care from the perspective of persons with obesity. Methods: Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with 12 participants who are being cared for in an acute secondary setting in a major hospital in Edinburgh. Gaining consent from the participants, interviews will be audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis will be undertaken using the interpretive phenomenological analysis stages. Potential implications for practice: It is hoped this study will gain a better understanding for the challenges faced by nurses when caring for patients with obesity. It may lead to research i indicating further delivery of support and education, allowing professionals to acknowledge preconceptions and biases which hinder the provision of high-quality person-centred care. Further implications for nursing research and education are discussed throughout the study.