The primary care provider (PCP) plays a vital role in the post surgical follow-up care of the bariatric patient. Comprehensive care for these patients is essential for long term, successfuloutcomes. Primary care providers must have an understanding of the different clinical complexities these patients present.
The purpose of this system change project was to develop a reference guide to improve the PCP’s ability to care for the post surgical bariatric patient. A survey was sent to 5,120 physicians and nurse practitioners in the state of Minnesota concerning the knowledge demands of post surgical bariatric care. The major elements of care included knowledge of the different bariatric procedures, their immediate post operative complications, and nutritional requirements and potential deficiencies. The survey results were analyzed and integrated into a reference guide
