Nursing Bias and the Obese Patient: The Role of the Clinical Nurse Leader in Improving Care of the Obese Patient

Abstract

Obesity continues to be a public health issue in the United States. Obesity is a major risk factor for other medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, and some cancers. Healthcare providers play a key role in assisting and providing support to patients who are obese or have obesity-related health problems. They can educate patients who are trying to lose weight and maintain weight loss. However, barriers exist in quality of care. For example, nurses and other healthcare providers may at times have negative attitudes toward and beliefs about patients who are obese. Additionally, healthcare providers may rely on family or self-report of a patient's height and weight, and those estimates are often inaccurate. To improve the care of patients struggling with weight, the clinical nurse leader (CNL), for example, can play an important role in educating nurses regarding issues that affect the patient with obesity. The CNLs can provide educational opportunities that p...