Dataset Information

The importance of service-users' perspectives: A systematic review of qualitative evidence reveals overlooked critical features of weight management programmes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Extensive research effort shows that weight management programmes (WMPs) targeting both diet and exercise are broadly effective. However, the critical features of WMPs remain unclear.

Objective

To develop a deeper understanding of WMPs critical features, we undertook a systematic review of qualitative evidence. We sought to understand from a service-user perspective how programmes are experienced, and may be effective, on the ground.

Search strategy

We identified qualitative studies from existing reviews and updated the searches of one review.

Inclusion criteria

We included UK studies capturing the views of adult WMP users.

Data extraction and synthesis

Thematic analysis was used inductively to code and synthesize the evidence.

Main results

Service users were emphatic that supportive relationships, with service providers or WMP peers, are the most critical aspect of WMPs. Supportive relationships were described as providing an extrinsic motivator or "hook" which helped to overcome barriers such as scepticism about dietary advice or a lack confidence to engage in physical activity.

Discussion and conclusions

The evidence revealed that service-users' understandings of the critical features of WMPs differ from the focus of health promotion guidance or descriptions of evaluated programmes which largely emphasize educational or goal setting aspects of WMPs. Existing programme guidance may not therefore fully address the needs of service users. The study illustrates that the perspectives of service users can reveal unanticipated intervention mechanisms or underemphasized critical features and underscores the value of a holistic understanding about "what happens" in complex psychosocial interventions such as WMPs.

SUBMITTER: Sutcliffe K

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5980498 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

The importance of service-users' perspectives: A systematic review of qualitative evidence reveals overlooked critical features of weight management programmes.

Sutcliffe Katy K Melendez-Torres G J GJ Burchett Helen E D HED Richardson Michelle M Rees Rebecca R Thomas James J

Health expectations : an international journal of public participation in health care and health policy 20180314 3

<h4>Background</h4>Extensive research effort shows that weight management programmes (WMPs) targeting both diet and exercise are broadly effective. However, the critical features of WMPs remain unclear.<h4>Objective</h4>To develop a deeper understanding of WMPs critical features, we undertook a systematic review of qualitative evidence. We sought to understand from a service-user perspective how programmes are experienced, and may be effective, on the ground.<h4>Search strategy</h4>We identified ...[more]

PMID: 29537117

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Dataset Information

The importance of service-users' perspectives: A systematic review of qualitative evidence reveals overlooked critical features of weight management programmes.

Background

Objective

Search strategy

Inclusion criteria

Data extraction and synthesis

Main results

Discussion and conclusions

Publications

The importance of service-users' perspectives: A systematic review of qualitative evidence reveals overlooked critical features of weight management programmes.

Similar Datasets

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