Obesity and bariatric care: embedding research into the undergraduate occupational therapy curriculum

There is growing evidence to suggest that the numbers of people with obesity are rising (WHO, 2015). As a consequence these people will increasingly be users of health and social care services. Amini (2013) suggests there is... [ view full abstract ]

There is growing evidence to suggest that the numbers of people with obesity are rising (WHO, 2015). As a consequence these people will increasingly be users of health and social care services. Amini (2013) suggests there is a comprehensive role in the development of Occupational Therapy interventions for people with obesity and bariatric needs. Furthermore, guidelines on obesity (NICE 2014) identify key roles for occupational therapists, however the profession needs to provide a much stronger evidence base within this emerging field (Haracz et al, 2013).

At York St John University, our occupational therapy students are encouraged to participate in a Students as Co-Researchers (SCoRe) project in their final year of study. This presentation will focus on a research strand we have been developing over the previous three years as a SCoRe project focusing, within the context of occupational therapy, on issues in obesity and bariatric care. Our interest in this subject area stemmed from clinical experience of diversity in service provision for people with obesity and bariatric needs.

The SCoRe project offers students the opportunity to work alongside academics to learn about and apply research methodologies within the context of a ‘live’ research project.

The project is evaluated through formal summative assessment processes linked to completed student work, and dissemination of the results through conference presentations and publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Through the educational process of undertaking research, the students actively develop the evidence-base through contributing to a developing area of practice relevant to occupational therapy practice.