Obesity competencies for healthcare professionals: a scoping review

Abstract

Background The Obesity Policy Engagement Network (OPEN)-EU manifesto, led by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO), underscores the urgent need for enhanced, evidence-based education for healthcare professionals (HCPs) involved in obesity care. This scoping review aims to identify and profile relevant literature that reports on obesity-related competencies for HCPs and to synthesise identified competencies into obesity competency domains and subdomains to inform HCP education. Methods A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA guidelines, including a comprehensive search strategy targeting PubMed, CINAHL Plus and ERIC databases (2014-2024). Based on clear inclusion criteria, full-text articles which focused on obesity-related competencies in HCP education were identified. Thematic analysis of all reported competencies was conducted to generate obesity-related competency domains and subdomains. Results Twenty-two studies were included in the scoping review (out of 1286 unique records resulting from database searches) with a diversity of HCP disciplines represented. Multiple obesity competencies were identified, spanning eleven key domains: Obesity Background, Clinical Assessment, Clinical Management, Evidence-Based Practice, Communication, Professionalism/ethical standards, Patient Centred Care, Advocacy/influencing, HCP Education, Public Health/Health promotion and Health Systems. The most frequently reported competencies fell within the domains of Clinical Assessment and Clinical Management. Conclusion This scoping review identified and synthesised obesity related competencies from HCPs education and professionalisation literature into eleven key domains and related subdomains. These findings highlight the multifaceted nature of obesity management, postulating the usefulness of comprehensive, competency-based training for HCPs.