PATIENT EDUCATION: TEACHING THE BARIATRIC PATIENT

Course overview

Bariatric patients are patients with clinically severe obesity, defined as having a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 40 mg/m2, and patients with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 with comorbid conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, obstructive sleep apnea [OSA], uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, type 2 [DM2], weight¿inducing problems that interfere with daily activities). This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of the procedure for providing patient education about bariatric care, including a step-by-step process and the benefits of patient education on this topic. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.