Patient experience of NHS digital weight management programmes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An evaluation of patient experiences and acceptability of digital weight management programmes offered in the NHS Enhanced Service Incentive scheme
IRAS ID
328363
Contact name
Simon Barrett
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle University Research Sponsorship
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
The Enhanced Service Incentive scheme will encourage general practices who opt into the scheme to offer support to patients with overweight or obesity and hypertension and/or diabetes, by way of referral to NHS weight management services and encouragement to use a free NHS 12-week weight loss plan app and online tools. Many non-emergency care services have transitioned online in recent times, including weight management programmes. Several digital weight management programmes have been commissioned by NHS England as part of the new scheme. However, evidence on the acceptability of digital weight management programmes and how people feel about their GP offering this type of service opportunistically is somewhat limited. One defining feature of primary care is the beneficial impact of continuity of care on patient outcomes, particularly for patients with chronic conditions. The work outlined here aims to provide a real-world understanding of the experiences of patients referred to and enrolled in remote weight management programmes in the Enhanced Service Incentive scheme. We will conduct individual interviews with a sample of those referred and enrolled in the programmes to evaluate what works for whom, in what circumstances, and why. We will assess participant adherence to each weight management programme, the appropriateness of being referred by GPs and nurses and the acceptability of participating in the programmes. Overall, our aim is to understand the process and factors that contribute to the effectiveness and acceptability of weight management programmes that are offered through the NHS Enhanced Service Incentive scheme, and to identify implementation challenges and opportunities to optimise service delivery.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/PR/0910
Date of REC Opinion
13 Oct 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion