Population estimates and characteristics of Australians potentially eligible for bariatric surgery: findings from the 2011?13 Australian Health Survey.

Conclusion Even if only 5% of Australian adults estimated to be eligible for bariatric surgery sought this intervention, the demand, particularly in the public health system and outside major cities, would far outstrip current capacity. Better guidance on patient prioritisation and greater resourcing of public surgery are needed.What is known about this topic? In the period 2011-13, 4million Australian adults were estimated to be obese, with obesity disproportionately more prevalent in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage. Bariatric surgery is considered to be cost-effective and the most effective treatment for adults with obesity, but is mainly privately funded in Australia (>90%), with 16650 primary privately funded procedures performed in 2015. The extent to which the supply of bariatric surgery is falling short of demand in Australia is unknown.What does this paper add? The present study provides important information for health service planners. For the first time, population estimates and characteristics of those potentially eligible for bariatric surgery in Australia have been described based on the best available evidence, using categories that best approximate the national recommended eligibility criteria.What are the implications for practitioners? Even if only 5% of those estimated to be potentially eligible for bariatric surgery in Australia sought a surgical pathway (44122 of 882441), the potential demand, particularly in the public health system and outside ma...
Source: Australian Health Review - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research